Topical TX For Psoriasis
Topical TX For Psoriasis
Topical TX For Psoriasis
TOPICAL
TREATMENTS for psoriasis
Topical steroids Over-the-counter products
Vitamin D derivatives Combination agents
Vitamin A derivatives + more
Photo illustration
Introduction to psoriasis
WHAT IS PSORIASIS?
Psoriasis is a noncontagious, genetic disease of
the immune system that affects the skin
and/or joints. Psoriasis in the United
States affects approximately 7.5 million
Americans. The most common form, plaque
psoriasis, results in raised, red lesions covered
by silvery white scales. Psoriasis can be limited
to a few lesions or can involve much larger
areas of skin.
TOPICAL TREATMENTSmedications
applied to the skinare usually
the first line of defense in treating
psoriasis. Researchers believe
psoriasis occurs when faulty signals
in the immune system cause skin cells
to grow too rapidly and build up on the
skin. Topicals slow down or normalize
that excessive cell reproduction and
reduce inflammation associated with
psoriasis.
PRESCRIPTION TOPICALS
Tips for all topical medications
Anthralin
What is it and how does it work?
Anthralin is used to treat plaque psoriasis. It
Vitamin D Derivatives
Dovonex
What is it and how does it work?
Dovonex (generic name calcipotriene) is a form
of synthetic vitamin D3. It is not the same as the
vitamin D found in dietary supplements taken
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by mouth, which should not be used to treat
psoriasis. Dovonex is formulated to slow skin
cell growth, flatten lesions and remove scale. It
can also be used to treat psoriasis of the scalp
and nails.
How is it used?
Dovonex comes in a 0.005% cream or scalp
solution. Health care providers usually
recommend applying it twice per day. Dovonex
is typically prescribed for an initial treatment
period of six to eight weeks. It is approved by
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
for long-term use.
Taclonex
What is it and how does it work?
Taclonex is a combination of calcipotriene, a
form of synthetic vitamin D3, and betamethasone
dipropionate, a steroid. It slows skin cell growth,
flattens lesions, removes scale and reduces itch
and inflammation.
How is it used?
It comes in an ointment and is applied once a day
for no more than four weeks. Thereafter, follow
your providers directions. Taclonex should be
used on no more than 30 percent of the bodys
surface at any time.
Vectical
What is it and how does it work?
Vectical (generic name calcitriol) is a naturally
occurring active form of vitamin D3. In studies,
it has been shown to help control excessive skin
cell production.
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How is it used?
Vectical comes in an ointment that is applied
twice daily to affected skin, morning and
evening. The maximum weekly dose should not
exceed 200 mg. Vectical can be applied to most
places on the body except for face, lips and eyes.
Vitamin A Derivatives
Tazorac
What is it and how does it work?
Tazorac (generic name tazarotene) is a
vitaminA derivative and is also known as a
topical retinoid. It is thought to slow skin cell
growth.
How is it used?
Tazorac comes in a gel and a cream that are
available in either 0.05% or 0.1% strength. The
gel is odorless and non-staining. The cream
is in a moisturizing base which may make it
more tolerable for people with sensitive or drier
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they were not developed specifically to treat
psoriasis. Protopic (tacrolimus) and Elidel
(pimecrolimus) are two such topical treatments.
These two nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory
medications have been approved for treating
eczema, but have also been found to be helpful
in treating psoriasis in sensitive areas, such
as the face, genitals and skin folds. Due to the
potential risk of skin cancer and lymphoma,
use of these treatments should be thoroughly
discussed with your health care provider.
TOPICAL STEROIDS
What are they and how do they work?
Corticosteroids (or just steroids) are the most
frequently used treatment for psoriasis. These
steroids, used on the skin, are derivatives
of the natural corticosteroid hormones that
are produced by the adrenal glands. These
have many important functions in the body,
including control of inflammatory responses.
The way that steroids work is not completely
understood; however, they are referred to as
anti-inflammatory agents because they reduce
the swelling and redness of lesions.
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changes in pigmentation, easy bruising, stretch
marks, redness and dilated surface blood
vessels. Using steroids on the face can cause
redness, acne or visible blood vessels that
appear swollen.
OVER-THE-COUNTER TOPICALS
OTC topicals are available in pharmacies,
drugstores and supermarkets or directly from
the manufacturer without a prescription. They
come in many different forms. Two active
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ingredients, salicylic acid and tar, are approved
by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as
treatments for psoriasis.
Salicylic acid
What is it and how does it work?
Salicylic acid is classified as a keratolytic,
or peeling agent, and works by causing the
outer layer of skin to shed. It is a common and
effective treatment for a wide variety of skin
problems. As a psoriasis treatment, it acts as
a scale lifter, helping to soften and remove
psoriasis scales.
How is it used?
It comes in many OTC forms, including creams,
gels, lotions, ointments, shampoos and soap.
Salicylic acid is available over the counter in
concentrations up to 3%. Concentrations more
than 3% are only available with a prescription.
Tar
What is it and how does it work?
Tar derived from both coal and wood (for
example, juniper or pine) is used for medicinal
purposes. However, coal tar is the type used
most commonly to treat psoriasis. Tar can help
slow the rapid growth of skin cells and restore
How is it used?
Tar preparations can be applied directly to
psoriasis plaques, added to bath water or
applied to the scalp. Follow the directions on
the label or instructions from your doctor. Tar
medications are generally left on for at least
two hours, except for tar shampoos, which are
left on for five to 10 minutes.
topical treatments 15
and furniture. Cotton socks can be helpful in
covering arm or leg lesions. Use a breathable
fabric such as cotton to decrease the risk of
infection.
Moisturizers
Keeping the skin lubricated is an important
part of psoriasis care because it helps reduce
redness and itching and helps the skin heal.
Apply moisturizers on a daily basis to keep the
skin lubricated. Skin experts say the greasiest
products (creams and ointments) work best
for locking water into the skin. Cooking
oils and even shortening can be effective
and economical substitutes for commercial
moisturizers.
Bath solutions
Bath solutions can be beneficial in treating
psoriasis. Adding oil, oilated oatmeal, Epsom
salts or Dead Sea salts to a bath can help
remove psoriasis scale and soothe itching. It
is common to soak for 15 minutes and apply a
moisturizer or oil to the skin immediately after
getting out of the bath to lock in moisture.
Scale lifters
Scale lifters (keratolytics) help loosen and
remove scale. This enables other medications
to reach the psoriasis lesions. Some scale-
lifting products are for the scalp and some are
designed for use on the body. Some products
topical treatments 17
can be used for both purposes, but the scalp
products are usually stronger and may be too
harsh for regular skin. OTC products that
contain an active ingredient of salicylic acid,
lactic acid, urea or phenol can be used as scale
lifters.
Occlusion
Some topical medications or moisturizers can
be occluded (or covered) to increase their
effectiveness and the amount absorbed into the
skin. With occlusion, the topical is applied to
psoriasis lesions and the area is covered with
plastic wrap, cellophane, waterproof dressing,
cotton socks or a nylon suit. Always check with
your health care provider before occluding a
steroid or other prescription medication.
RESEARCH
Finding a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic
arthritis is our highest priority. Were working
for you by:
ADVOCACY
Were ensuring that people with psoriasis and
psoriatic arthritis have a say in the policies that
affect their lives. Join us as we:
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HEALTH EDUCATION
National Psoriasis Foundation is your one-stop
shop for news and information about psoriasis
and psoriatic arthritis. Visit www.psoriasis.org
to learn more about:
CONNECTION
Sometimes the best resource to manage
psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis is another
person with your condition. Share information
and get support from:
LEARN MORE
Find more information and resources at
www.psoriasis.org.
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