PSORIASIS TREATMENTS
Topical Steroids:
Prescription steroid creams, lotions, ointments, foams, and
shampoos.
Low Potency
Desonide 0.05% (Desowen)
Hydrocortisone 0.5%
Hydrocortisone Acetate 0.5%
Medium Potency
Betamethasone valerate (Betnovate)
Desonide 0.05% (Desocort)
Prednicarbate 0.1% (Dermatop)
Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1% (Kenalog)
High Potency
Amcinonide 0.1% (Cyclocort)
Betamethasone valerate 0.05% (Betaderm)
Desoximetasone 0.25% (Topicort)
Fluocinonlone acetonide 0.25% (Synalar)
Fluocinonide 0.05% (Lidex)
Fluticasone Propionate (Cutivate)
Mometasone furoate 0.1% (Elocon)
Very Potent
Betamethasone dipropionate (Diprolene)
Clobetasol Propionate 0.05% (Temovate, Olux Foam)
Halobetasol propionate (Ultravate)
Non-Steroid Topicals:
Coal Tar preparations (Psoriasin, Denorex)
Salicylic acid (Salex)
Dovonex**
Tazorac**
Protopic**
Elidel**
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Light therapy:
Sunlight
UVB and Narrow band UVB radiation
PUVA (Psoralen + UVA radiation)
With PUVA, an ingestion of a psoralen drug such as
Oxsoralen, is needed to make the skin more susceptible to
UVA Light.
Systemic & Biologics:
Brand name and generic pills, injections, and infusions
prescribed for both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Systemic: Biologics:
Methotrexate Enbrel**
Cyclosporine Remicade**
Soriatane** Humira**
Sulfasalazine (off label)
Prograf**(off label)
Arava**(off label)
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As previously stated, and with the exception of Amevive and Raptiva, I have been on nearly every FDA approved medication
and treatment currently available for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis with no lasting success. The problem with most
treatments is that they may work for a little while, with some actually completely clearing the skin. However, some of them
can have potentially dangerous side effects, or they just end up losing their effectiveness, and the psoriasis comes right
back, frequently worse than before. Below is a list of all the treatments I have been on at one time or another for the
treatment of psoriasis / psoriatic arthritis.*
Generally there is a three step ladder approach to treatment depending on the severity of the condition. Combinations also
readily occur, and some medications/treatments can enhance each other, for example Soriatane with UV light is a
common combination.
Step 1: Topical (mild psoriasis)
Step 2: Light therapy (moderate-severe)
Step 3: Systemic treatments (severe)
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*This is simply a list of treatments that I have been on at one time or
another. In no way is this an endorsement or
recommendation for any specific medication or treatment. As always
check with your doctor for the appropriate treatment plan for you.
For me the light therapies are the only treatments that have ever worked
for any prolonged period of time. PUVA and UVB have been the most
effective, and I have actually achieved complete clearance at various
times. Unfortunately, I have recently developed skin damage as a result
of the years of UV radiation exposure, and I am no longer willing to risk
cancer in pursuit of clear skin.
The new Biologics have also worked well for me, at least
initially , but like many other treatments, they lost their
effectiveness after only a few months. Many people, however, have had
wonderful lasting success with these medications, and have achieved
complete clearance, so they are certainly invaluable treatment options.