Prescription topical corticosteroids (steroids/cortisone creams utilizing an active ingredient such as desoximetasone) have been used for years as the first-step approach in the treatment of psoriasis. Cortisones reduce inflammation, itching, and potentially reduce cell buildup. Brands differ in potency, and the more powerful the drug, the higher the risk of more severe side effects, which […]

Calcipotriol, which also goes by the name calcipotriene, is a form of vitamin D3 that has a good deal of published research about its pharmacology, efficacy, tolerability, and use in treating psoriasis. In cream or ointment form (trade name Daivonex/Dovonex), calcipotriol by itself is as effective as other therapies such as betamethasone valerate cream or […]

Much like coal tar, anthralin (also called dithranol) is a topical prescription medication that has been used to treat psoriasis for decades. Though anthralin’s action on skin is not clear, it appears to inhibit cell proliferation. It has few serious side effects but can irritate or burn the normal-appearing skin surrounding psoriatic lesions. Anthralin also […]

Coal Tar Coal tar is a very old and very effective remedy with a great deal of research showing its success for many forms of psoriasis. Coal tar is a topical medication available both over the counter and by prescription; the difference between the two options is in the potency and amount of coal tar […]

Natural sunlight can significantly improve, or even clear, psoriasis. Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun suppresses the skin’s immune response and damages the production of skin cells, slowing their overproduction and reducing scaling. Daily, short, nonburning exposure to sunlight clears or improves psoriasis in many people. Therefore, sunlight may be included among initial treatments for […]

The options for treatment are complex and varied. It is a grab bag of choices, each of­fering their own pros and cons with varying degrees of success based on each individual’s experience. And new drugs are being researched and added to the list of options all the time. For example, three new drugs were approved […]

As with all skin types, treating the skin gently and not using skin-care products containing irritants that cause inflammation is extremely important. It is even more important for those with psoriasis; because this skin condition is an inflammatory condition, reducing inflam­mation becomes even more critical. Gentle cleansers, products that help soothe skin, not scrubbing the […]

Even though flaky, red lesions on the surface of skin are the most obvious manifestations of psoriasis, over 50% of the time the nails can also be affected. Manifesting in a variety of ways, psoriasis of the nails can include pitting, lifting of the nail away from the nail bed, white discolorations, and ridges. Although […]

Psoriasis appears in several forms. The scaly, papule kind called plaque psoriasis is the most common. Other forms include guttate psoriasis, typified by small, dotlike lesions all over the body; pustular psoriasis, with weeping lesions and intense scaling; and erythro – dermic psoriasis, characterized by severe sloughing and inflammation of the skin. Psoriasis can range […]