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Psoriasis |
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Topical Medications |
Coal Tar
Perhaps you remember the commercial for Tegrin, a shampoo for
the "heartbreak of psoriasis". It is a coal tar preparation.
Historically, coal tar used topically has success in
relieving, reducing, and minimizing the itching and scaling in
minor cases. It can be found in "medicated" shampoos or as a
bath solution for soaking. Coal tar, depending on the
strength, can be obtained as an over-the-counter product
(OTC), or by prescription.
Exorex™ is a over-the-counter preparation. The active
ingredient in the Exorex Penetrating Emulsion is 1% coal tar.
The company recommends using various related products for the
face, scalp, and body, to keep the lesions supple.
Coal tar can make the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet and
sunlight. This is important to remember for psoriasis patients
with mild cases that are using coal tar products without the
supervision of a doctor! You may be more susceptible to
sunburn. Be sure to consider this when sun bathing, using a
tanning booth, or receiving UV light therapy.
Common complaints about coal tar ointments are: they are
messy, have an unpleasant medicinal odor, and can stain the
skin and clothing.
Coal tar can also cause photosensitivity.
Topical Steroids
One of the most common therapies used for mild to moderate
psoriasis, topical steroids can be over the counter or
prescription strength. A physician should monitor long term
use of cortisone steroids. Steroids can cause thinning of the
skin, and the body can become resistant, making this an
ineffective therapy. Steroids are not recommended for use on
the face.
Anthralin
Anthralin is a chemical that is also used in some dyes. It
is only available by prescription. It can be combined with
prescription steroids, coal tar and moisturizers to create a
treatment regime. Anthralin has been known to irritate the
skin surrounding psoriasis lesions, stains anything it comes
into contact with, but has few side effects.
Photosensitivity is also a concern if mixed with other
psoriatic preparations. Should not be used by pregnant
woman.
Vitamin D3
Also known as Dovonex, this synthetic vitamin D3 ointment
is non-staining and is used for moderate cases of psoriasis.
Dovonex is available only by prescription. There are few known
side effects. It cannot be used on the face. There is cost
factor to this approach. It may be several weeks before seeing
improvement and the lesions will reappear when use is
discontinued.
Photosensitivity can be heightened. Pregnant woman should
avoid using this product.
Topical Retinoid Therapy
Tazarotene (Tazorac) is a FDA approved retinoid. Retinoids
are drugs related to vitamin A. Tazorac is available only by
prescription. It should be applied only to the affected areas.
Avoid contact to the eyes, eyelids, and mouth. THIS MEDICATION
SHOULD BE AVOIDED OR DISCONTINUED IMMEDIATELY IN PREGNANT
WOMAN. Exposure to sunlight should be avoided. Use a sunscreen
and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Don't use this
product with other photosensitizes.
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