Elidel is the trade name for the topically applied, prescription-only cream containing pime – crolimus. It is one of a new generation of nonsteroidal medications recommended for psoriasis. The first drug of this class was Protopic, which contains the active ingredient tacrolimus. (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, February 2002, pages 228-241.) No […]

Also known as fumaric acid esters under the brand name Efudex, this is a chemotherapy drug. When applied topically, it is considered one of the primary options for the treatment of psoriasis affecting the nails. It can also be taken orally for severe psoriatic symptoms. (Sources: Clinical Dermatology, September-October 2008, pages 522-526; British Journal of […]

Etanercept (trade name Enbrel) and infliximab (trade name Remicade) are antitumor medications that are used in the treatment of psoriasis. Both have research showing them to be helpful, with less-serious side effects than other oral medications, and they can be used in combination with topical therapies. (Sources: Health Technology Assessments, September 2006, pages 13-26; and […]

Etretinate (trade name Tegison), acitretin (Soriatane), and isotretinoin (Accutane) are retinoids. Etretinate and acitretin are similar to isotretinoin, except that etretinate and acitretin are approved by the FDA only for use in the treatment of psoriasis, while isotretinoin is also approved by the FDA for use in treating acne. How oral retinoids work in the […]

Under the trade name Neoral, cyclosporin is a strong immune-suppressant drug and a primary medication used to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs such as the liver, kidneys, and heart. In skin diseases, cyclosporin acts by reducing inflammation in the skin and also reducing cell proliferation by blocking immune factors that may be generating the […]

Methotrexate is a systemic anti-cancer drug that can reduce the overproduction of cells, which is helpful in the treatment of psoriasis. However, it has conflicting research concerning its effectiveness despite its use during the last three decades. The long-term adverse effects of methotrexate are well known. The most frequent adverse effects that occur during methotrexate […]

Derived from the argan tree, argan oil has been used for the treatment of psoriasis and has a relatively popular following. However, there is no research showing it to have any benefit over and above being an emollient, which would be true of any plant oil.

Salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid) in strengths of 1.8% to 3% is approved by the FDA as an over-the-counter treatment for psoriasis. Because BHA is a keratolytic, it can “unglue” skin cells and increase exfoliation, thereby removing the scaly buildup of psoriatic lesions. Sometimes simply using a well-formulated BHA product can be enough to keep […]

Topical retinoids such as Tazorac (active ingredient tazarotene) have been shown to have a positive effect on psoriasis (Source: Cutis, January 1999, pages 41-48), particularly in combina­tion with other treatments (Source: InternationalJournal of Dermatology, January 2001, pages 64-66). Tazarotene is a synthetic acetylenic retinoid. Some research has shown it to be more effective than tretinoin […]