Topical therapies for the treatment of plaque psoriasis

Cutis. 2009 Oct;84(4 Suppl):3-13.

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 2% of the US population. Plaque psoriasis, characterized by erythematous lesions covered with silvery scales, is the most common form. In the absence of a cure, long-term control is important for the management of this disease. Topical corticosteroids are the primary treatment strategy for most mild to moderate cases of psoriasis. For more severe cases, topical corticosteroids often are combined with other antipsoriatic agents to prolong the remission period between disease outbreaks, manage isolated flares during therapy, and ease the transition between therapies. With the availability of multiple formulations of topical antipsoriatic agents, including multiple formulations of topical corticosteroids with different potencies, physicians have a large number of treatment strategies for their patients with psoriasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Dermatologic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Psoriasis / physiopathology
  • Remission Induction / methods
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Glucocorticoids