Treating Psoriasis

Did you know that August is Psoriasis Awareness Month? If you or a loved one is facing the pain and discomfort of psoriasis, there are a variety of treatments available. Even those with severe psoriasis can find relief during flare-ups in at least 85% of cases.

Salicylic acid ointment smoothes skin by assisting to shed psoriatic scales. However, covering large areas of skin with salicylic acid may cause the body to absorb too much medication, leading to unwanted side effects including skin irritation and temporary hair loss.

Steroid creams decrease inflammation, relieve itching, and block the production of cells that overproduce in psoriasis. But the stronger, most effective preparations, can cause side effects like burning, dryness, irritation, or thinning of the skin.

Calcipotriene has proven to be particularly effective when combined with a topical corticosteroid cream. It’s typically prescribed in limited amounts to avoid side effects.

Coal-tar ointments and shampoos can slow the rapid growth of skin cells and alleviate symptoms, but some people are more vulnerable to the side effects like folliculitis.

Topical preparations containing prescription retinoids can help improve psoriasis, but they don’t work as quickly as steroids, and may cause dryness or irritation of the skin.

For some psoriasis patients, regular sunlight can alleviate psoriasis lesions. PUVA–the drug psoralen combined with UVA light–is effective, but declining in use because it can increase the risk of skin cancer. A targeted UVB light treatment is less carcinogenic than PUVA but can be nearly as effective.

Some oral drugs are also used to treat psoriasis. Methotrexate can effectively clear psoriasis lesions, but requires regular blood tests.

Oral retinoids, may be mildly helpful to those with severe psoriasis. Women typically must use birth control with this medication, since it is associated with birth defects.

Various biologic drugs that control the body’s immune response are effective, but are very expensive and include Enbrel, Humira and Stelara.

Do you have questions about taking your psoriasis prescription? Stop by to talk to our pharmacists today!