Prescription Psoriasis Treatment
Psoriasis is classified as a skin disease that affects the skin cell's life cycle. Those with this condition will have silvery, thick scales and red, dry itchy patches on their skin due to a rapid buildup of skin cells. For some people these patches may be painful. Psoriasis is a chronic condition, though some patients may experience periods where they have little to no symptoms. Some patients view psoriasis as a very disabling condition and others view it as a simple nuisance. Because everyone experiences this condition differently there are several different prescription treatments available for psoriasis.
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Biologics
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Biologics are a type of prescription medication used to treat psoriasis. These medications work by reducing inflammation by blocking a certain chemical messenger. Biologics can be taken orally or by injection. Commonly prescribed biologics include Humira, Amevive, Raptiva, Remicade and Enbrel.
Retinoids
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Retinoids are a type of prescription psoriasis treatment. These medications help to treat psoriasis by helping skin renew itself more quickly and decreasing the amount of oil produced by the oil glands. Retinoids are taken orally. The most commonly prescribed retinoids include Accutane.
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Immuno-suppressants
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Immuno-suppressant drugs are prescription medications that can be used to treat psoriasis. Since psoriasis is often considered an autoimmune disease these drugs may be beneficial because they suppress the immune system. Immuno-suppressants are most often taken orally. Commonly prescribed immuno-suppressants include Hydrea, Neoral, Rheumatrex and Trexall.
Topical Corticosteroids
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Topical corticosteroids are prescription creams that can be used to treat psoriasis. These creams help to reduce redness, itching and swelling when applied directly to the skin. Commonly prescribed topical corticosteroids include the creams Aclovate, Aristocort, Cyclocort, Temovate, Florone, Westcort and Tridesilon.
Topical Adrenocortical Steroids
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Topical adrenocortical steroids are prescription creams that can be used in the treatment of psoriasis. These creams help to reduce redness, skin inflammation, irritation and itching when applied directly to the skin. Commonly prescribed topical adrenocortical steroids include Cordran and Lidex.
Light-Sensitizing Medications
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Light-sensitizing prescription medications can be used to treat psoriasis. These medications are most often used to make a person's skin less sensitive to sunlight and in turn reduce sunlight-related symptoms such as rashes, irritation, inflammation and itching. These medications should be consumed approximately 1.5 to 2 hours before spending time in the sun. The most commonly prescribed light-sensitizing medication is Psoralen.
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