Various topical drugs exist in the form of creams and lotions for psoriasis treatment of milder cases. As a case of psoriasis worsens it becomes increasingly difficult to manage plaques and scales through topical medications alone, particularly when they appear on a large percentage of the body.
However, there are several topical psoriasis treatment options worth learning about.
Moisturizing Creams: These creams and ointments can be useful in reducing dryness, peeling and flaking of psoriasis plaques although they don't treat the plaques themselves.
Salicylic Acid: This common over-the-counter cream is used widely as an acne medication due to its property of promoting sloughing of the skin. This medication is available in creams and shampoos for those with scalp psoriasis.
Calcineurin Inhibitors: This class of drugs is so far only approved for treating atopic dermatitis. However, they show promise as a psoriasis treatment option by virtue of their presumed ability to interfere with T-cell activation, which counters inflammation and plaque formation. Calcineurin inhibitors show particular promise in treating areas of fine skin such as those near the eyes, where other treatments are considered too risky to be used. This requires specific doctor approval and is not intended for long term use due to its carcinogenic potential.
Coal Tar: This is a very old psoriasis treatment whose mechanisms of action have not yet been completely elucidated. Coal tar curbs itching, scaling and inflammation and has few noted side effects. However, it creates quite the mess, stains clothing and has a powerful odor.
Corticosteroids: This class of immunosuppressant drugs is widely prescribed for psoriasis treatment in mild and moderate instances. Corticosteroids act to slow down the skin cell renewal cycle which helps curtail inflammation and itching. These drugs diminish in best vitiligo treatment with prolonged use and so are generally used during a flare-up. Corticosteroids vary in potency and are prescribed on a case-by-case basis.
Anthralin: This psoriasis treatment is thought to work by normalizing DNA activity in the skin cells. It can be used for scale removal and skin smoothening although it stains everything it comes into contact with including skin. It can be found under the name Dritho-Scalp.
Vitamin D Analogues: These synthesized compounds are similar to vitamin D in chemical structure. They are usually applied as a topical psoriasis treatment and are often used in combination with other therapies to treat mild to moderate psoriasis cases.
Retinoids: These are Vitamin A-derived compounds that are thought to exert a normalizing effect on skin cell DNA and reduce inflammation. However, they commonly cause skin irritation.
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