How Do Topical Antipsoriatics Work?

Topical antipsoriatics are medications that are applied on the skin surface to treat psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by dry, itchy, and silvery scales on the skin. There is no cure for psoriasis; however, treatment can ease symptoms and prevent severe outbreaks. Topical antipsoriatics are available in the form of creams, ointments, lotions, and shampoos.

Topical antipsoriatics treatment can include a combination of:

• Corticosteroids
• Calcium modulators
• Coal tar extracts
• Anthralin

Antipsoriatics control psoriasis in the following ways:                                                     

• Reduce itching, redness, and swelling of the skin
• Prevent scale formation (slow down the growth of new skin cells)
• Relieve pain, itching, and discomfort
• Shedding of dead skin cells (removes plaques)
• Reduce flare-ups
• Improve the quality of life

Conditions treated with topical antipsoriatics include:

• Psoriasis
• Psoriatic arthritis (a condition that combines the swollen, sore joints of arthritis with psoriasis)
• Plaque psoriasis (raised red patches covered with a whitish buildup of dead skin cells called scale)

Common side effects include:

• Pruritis (itching)
• Skin irritation
• Dryness
• Peeling and redness
• Pain at the application site
• Other rare side effects include:
• Stretch marks
• Skin thinning/discoloration
• Excessive hair growth
• Folliculitis (inflammation and infection in the hair follicles)
• Unusual tiredness
• Allergic reaction
  • Hives
  • Itching/rash
  • Swelling
  • Dizziness
  • Trouble breathing

Information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Drug names include:

• 8MOP
• Arazlo
• Avage
• Avar
• Avar LS
• Avar-E
• Avar-E LS
• Calcipotriene
• Calcipotriene/betamethasone
• Calcitrene Ointment
• Calcitriol topical
• Cerisa Wash
• Clarifoam EF
• Claris Clarifying Wash
• Clenia Emollient Cream
• Clenia Foaming Wash
• Dovonex
• Duobrii
• Enstilar
• Fabior
• Halobetasol/tazarotene
• Methoxsalen
• Oxsoralen
• Oxsoralen Ultra
• Prascion Cleanser
• Prascion FC Facial Cleansing Cloths
• Prascion RA with Sunscreens
• Rosaderm Cleanser
• Rosanil Cleanser
• Rosula
• Rosula Wash
• Sodium sulfacetamide/sulfur
• Sorilux
• Sulfacet R
• Sumadan Wash
• Sumaxan Cleansing Pads
• Sumaxin TS
• Sumaxin Wash
• Taclonex Ointment
• Taclonex Topical Suspension
• Tazarotene
• Tazorac
• Uvadex
• Vectical
• Wynzora
• Zencia Wash