Psoriasis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
Psoriasis is a long-term skin disease that causes skin cells to grow faster than normal. The cells build up on the surface of your skin and cause red patches. The cause of psoriasis is not known. A problem with your immune system or a family history of psoriasis may increase your risk. Psoriasis is not contagious. Psoriasis cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be managed.
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Medicines:
- Topical medicines can be ointments, creams, and pastes and are applied on the skin.
- Moisturizers and emollients soothe your skin by keeping it moist and preventing dryness.
- Steroids decrease inflammation.
- Vitamin D and retinoids are vitamin-based creams that are used to clear plaques.
- Salicylic acid is a peeling agent that helps decrease scaling of the skin and scalp.
- Tar preparations decrease itching, scaling, and inflammation. They may be shampoos, creams, or bath oils.
- Systemic medicines are used to treat serious types of psoriasis. They may be taken by mouth or given to you through an IV or as a shot. These medicines include steroids and retinoids. They may also include medicines that decrease the rate of growth of your skin cells or that affect your immune system.
- Antibiotics treat a bacterial infection.
Tests:
- Blood tests may show infection.
- A joint x-ray shows the bones and tissues in your joints. You may be given contrast liquid to help the pictures show up better. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.
Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions
Humira
Humira is a tumor necrosis factor blocker that is used to treat many inflammatory conditions such ...
Stelara
Stelara (ustekinumab) is used to treat Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, and ...
Otezla
Otezla (apremilast) is used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and oral ulcers ...
Skyrizi
Skyrizi (risankizumab) is used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis ...
Cosentyx
Cosentyx (secukinumab) is used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing ...
Ustekinumab
Ustekinumab injection is used to treat plaque psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and p ...
Triamcinolone topical
Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream is used for psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, rashes, and other itchy or ...
Methotrexate
Methotrexate is used to treat certain types of cancer of the breast, skin, head and neck, or lung ...
Taltz
Taltz (ixekizumab) is used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing ...
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Phototherapy
, or light therapy, helps stop or slow skin cell growth. Your skin will be put under ultraviolet (UV) light for a period of time.
IV fluids
are given to treat dehydration. The fluids may also include electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium.
RISKS:
Without treatment, your signs and symptoms may get worse. You may develop psoriatic arthritis. You may develop an infection that gets into your blood. This can become life-threatening.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Psoriasis
Treatment options
Care guides
Symptoms and treatments
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Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.