What are the common medications for psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes skin cells to multiply rapidly, leading to red, scaly patches on the skin. There are several common medications used to treat psoriasis, depending on the severity of the condition:

Topical Treatments

Topical treatments are often the first line of defense for mild to moderate psoriasis. These include corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors, coal tar, and salicylic acid. These medications help reduce inflammation, slow down skin cell growth, and alleviate symptoms like itching and scaling.

Phototherapy

Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light to slow down the rapid growth of skin cells. This treatment can be done in a medical setting with UVB light or at home with a UVB phototherapy unit. It is commonly used for moderate to severe psoriasis or when topical treatments are not effective.

Systemic Medications

For more severe cases of psoriasis, systemic medications may be prescribed. These include oral or injectable medications like methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin, and apremilast. These medications work by suppressing the immune system to reduce inflammation and slow down skin cell growth.

Biologics

Biologics are a newer class of medications that target specific parts of the immune system involved in the development of psoriasis. They are usually given by injection or intravenous infusion and are effective for moderate to severe psoriasis that has not responded to other treatments.

While these medications can help manage psoriasis symptoms, they may also come with potential side effects. It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the most suitable treatment plan for psoriasis management and relief while monitoring and addressing any side effects that may arise.