Topical treatments (applied directly to the skin) are the first medications most often prescribed by doctors for patients with psoriasis. These treatments are used alone for mild disease, or in combination with phototherapy or systemic therapy for moderate to severe disease. Topical medications are typically used when psoriasis involves only a few areas or is not creating discomfort for the patient.
In patients with mild disease, such therapies can be quite effective in controlling the signs and symptoms of psoriasis. These therapies are generally not effective when used alone in patients with more severe disease; for these patients, topicals can be used in addition to phototherapy or systemic therapy. Also, topicals can be used after psoriasis clears or nearly clears to maintain the improvement of the disease while off phototherapy or systemic therapy.
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| Psoriasis Topical Treatment |
Components/Ingredients of Topicals
A vehicle or base is the substance into which the active medication is inserted so that it can be transported to the outer layer of skin or through the skin's surface to the site of inflammation. In topical therapies different bases or vehicles are used, including:
- creams
- ointments
- lotions
- gels
- aerosols
How Much Are You Supposed to Use?
A practical measure of the amount of topical medication to use on a body area was developed in 1991 by Dr. Long and Dr. Finlay at the University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff. They came up with the fingertip unit (FTU) to enable doctors and patients to communicate better about the amount of medication to apply. A fingertip unit is the amount of cream squeezed out of a tube that covers the skin from the tip of the index finger to the first crease in the finger's skin. It is possible to relate a fingertip unit to a body site to accurately determine how much topical treatment to use. For example, in adults, 1 FTU would be required for the hand only; 2 FTUs for one foot; 3 FTUs for one arm; 6 FTUs for one leg, and 7 FTUs for the front or back of the trunk.
Moisturizers
Moisturizers are an important tool in treating and controlling mild psoriasis, at least partially. However, they are seldom able to control and treat psoriasis when used alone, particularly in more severe psoriasis. They can help relieve mild itching and dry skin, and can reduce scaling or flaking of the skin. Moisturizers or emollients provide a surface barrier on the skin that slows its dehydration and keeps it moist. In general, moisturizers are applied twice daily, but they can be used more frequently, particularly if dry, flaking skin is noted. There are many moisturizers available over the counter at a pharmacy.
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| Psoriasis Topical Treatment |
Moisturizers, such as petroleum jelly and glycerin, are useful for moisturizing the skin. If you're not sure what to buy, ask your doctor or the pharmacist. To find out more, you can check out Psoriasis Topical Treatment.