Topical Agents ^14,15,16

Topical treatments are applied directly to the skin and are usually the first line of defense for treating psoriasis. Topical agents slow down or normalise excessive cell reproduction and reduce the inflammation associated with psoriasis.

Treatments include corticosteroids, vitamin D3 and coal tar.

• Corticosteroids: routinely used to treat psoriasis; potency varies from mild to very strong; they work by reducing the swelling and redness of lesions
• Calcipotriene Calcipotriol (vitamin D3): slows rate of skin cell growth, flattens and removes scales in psoriasis. It also can be used to treat psoriasis on the scalp and nails.
• Combined Calcipotriol & Betamethasone Product: slows skin cell growth, flattens lesions, removes scale and reduces itch and inflammation.
• Tazarotene: derivative of vitamin A (retinoid), tazarotene is a water-based emollient that slows the rapid growth of skin cells found in psoriasis
• Tar: can help slow the rapid growth of skin cells and restore the skin's appearance. In addition, it can help reduce the inflammation, itching and scaling of psoriasis.
• Salicylic acid: is considered as a keratolytic, or peeling agent, and works by causing the outer layer of skin to shed. It acts as a scale lifter, helping to soften and remove psoriasis scales.

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