Psoriasis Treatment Options

If you think you have psoriasis, you should talk with your doctor or dermatologist, who is in the best position to evaluate your condition. While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are many treatment options to control it. If you have moderate to severe psoriasis, it may take a while for you and your doctor to figure out which treatment works best, so try to be patient and be sure to follow the dosage and application instructions provided by your doctor for all medications.

Psoriasis treatments are divided into three groups:

Topical - applied directly to the skin
Systemic - taken internally by pill or by injection
Phototherapy - light, usually UVA or PUVA, shone directly on the skin

Topical Treatments

Anthralin - A prescription cream or ointment used either as an overnight treatment or as a short contact treatment. Anthralin can stain the skin and everything else it touches. Be sure to wear plastic gloves when applying it and try to avoid getting it on bedding or clothes. Anthralin can be irritating to normal skin that's not affected by psoriasis. Be sure to use these products only as directed by your doctor.

Corticosteroids - Depending on potency, a prescription or over-the-counter cream, ointment, gel, tape, spray or foam. Corticosteroids are some of the most common and effective treatments for psoriasis. They are easy to apply and don't tend to stain or have a strong fragrance. When using corticosteroids, it's very important to follow the dosage and application instructions provided by your doctor. Overuse of steroids may cause the skin to become thinner or cause adverse systemic effects.

Moisturizers - Applying an over-the-counter moisturizer is an essential part of psoriasis treatment. If you have psoriasis, ask your doctor to recommend a moisturizer.

Salicylic Acid - A beta-hydroxy acid cream, lotion, ointment, gel or shampoo that helps remove scales or flakes of rough skin. Salicylic acid is available over-the-counter and with a doctor's prescription. Be sure to use it only as directed by your doctor.

Tar Products - A prescription or over-the-counter cream or ointment. Coal and pine tar are some of the oldest psoriasis remedies. Tar products can soothe inflamed skin and reduce itching. As you might have guessed, they have a very strong fragrance. Be sure to avoid getting tar products on very raw skin or open sores. Be sure to use these products only as directed by your doctor.

Vitamin-based Preparations - Derived from vitamin D, calcipotriene comes in a cream, ointment or water-based solution. It helps control flaking and scaling. Tazorotene is derived from vitamin A and comes in a gel or cream. It can help reduce redness and minimize psoriasis. Both of these treatments must be prescribed by a doctor. Be sure to use these products only as directed by your doctor.

Systemic Treatments

Biologics - A new form of psoriasis treatment for moderate to severe cases. These medicines are protein-based and are given by injection into the skin or infusion into the blood and work by slowing down the body's inflammatory response. Be sure to use these products only as directed by your doctor.

Immunosuppressants - Prescription tablets or pills used to treat severe psoriasis. They work by suppressing the immune system's inflammatory response. Be sure to use these products only as directed by your doctor.

Oral Retinoids - Oral retinoids are related to vitamin A and are believed to work by targeting specific receptors (retinoid receptors) in the skin which help normalize the growth cycle of skin cells. Oral retinoids are prescription pills and should only be taken as directed by your doctor.

Phototherapy

Ultraviolet light therapy can be an effective treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis. The treatment is administered under the supervision of a doctor. Phototherapy can require up to five trips to your dermatologist every week, for several weeks.

Find a Dermatologist

Enter ZIP Code: