Article: New Medications for Psoriasis

New Medications for Psoriasis
by
Sandra Surbrugg M.D.

Although psoriasis responds well to treatment for the approximately 6 million Americans who suffer from it, flair ups do tend to occur. And while there is no cure available for the skin condition that involves an abnormal buildup of skin cells, it is possible to control it with treatment that includes light therapy and topical and systemic medications. Among the latter are four relatively new medications that attack psoriasis from different angles. Calcipotriene is a topical vitamin D therapy. Tazarotene and acitretin are retinoid formulations, (Retinoids are synthetic vitamin A derivatives that have a significant effect upon skin cell proliferation.) Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant that halts certain immune response triggers. The dermatologist can determine which may be appropriate.

If the psoriasis medication you use currently isn't helping as well as you'd like, or if it has been some time since you last saw a dermatologist about your psoriasis, it is a good idea to see the doctor again. New treatments are achieving better than ever results, and with the number of medications to choose from, there are now almost always treatment options. For additional information on the subject, phone Cheyenne skin clinic at 635-0226. Our offices are located at 123 Western Hills Boulevard. New patients are welcome.

P.S. Calcipotriene and Tazarotene are topical solutions for mild to moderate cases of psoriasis, while acitretin and Cyclosporine are oral medications for severe cases.