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Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that may exhibit a variety of clinical manifestations. That causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales.
Clinical subtypes of psoriasis
- Chronic plaque psoriasis
- Guttate psoriasis
- Pustular psoriasis
- Erythrodermic psoriasis
Psoriasis triggers
- Infections
- Cold and dry conditions
- Injury to the skin, such as a cut or scrape, a bug bite, or a severe sunburn
- Stress
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Certain medications — including lithium, high blood pressure medications and antimalarial drugs
- Rapid withdrawal of oral or systemic corticosteroids
Psoriasis treatments
Psoriasis is not curable but many treatments are available that can reduce the bothersome symptoms and appearance of the disease. Treatment depends upon the severity of the disease, the cost and convenience of the treatment, and a person’s response to the treatment. A combination of therapies is often recommended.
Topical treatment for psoriasis
- Emollients
- Topical corticosteroids
- Calcipotriene or calcitriol
- Tar
- Tazarotene
- Calcineurin
Oral treatments for psoriasis
- Methotrexate
- Retinoids
Phototherapy
- Ultraviolet light (Narrowband UV therapy)
Biologics injection
- Injectable medications – Several injectable medications, known as “biologics,” target the overactive immune system and may be beneficial in the treatment of psoriasis.