When dealing with psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes red, scaly patches. Also known as plaque psoriasis, it can affect quality of life and often shows up alongside psoriatic arthritis, joint inflammation that some patients develop. Understanding the disease means looking at the skin inflammation itself, the immune pathways involved, and the range of medicines that can calm the flare‑ups.
One major player in modern care is biologic therapy, targeted drugs that block specific immune molecules like TNF‑alpha or IL‑17. These agents have reshaped how doctors manage moderate to severe cases, often reducing the need for long‑term steroids. Speaking of steroids, topical steroids, creams or ointments that reduce inflammation locally remain first‑line for mild patches and are still part of many combination plans. The choice between a potent steroid and a biologic usually depends on severity, the presence of arthritis, and how the patient responds to previous treatments.
Beyond biologics and steroids, doctors often consider systemic immunomodulators, oral or injectable drugs like methotrexate or cyclosporine that dampen the immune system more broadly. These older agents are cheaper than newer biologics, but they require regular lab monitoring for liver and kidney health. Recent articles in our collection compare the safety profiles of methotrexate versus newer small‑molecule options, helping you weigh benefits against potential side effects. For patients wary of pills, phototherapy, controlled exposure to UV light that slows skin cell growth offers a non‑drug alternative that can be combined with topical treatments.
When a patient also has psoriatic arthritis, the therapeutic goal expands to protect joints. Studies show that certain biologics, like IL‑17 inhibitors, improve both skin lesions and joint pain, creating a dual benefit that traditional steroids can’t provide. Our guides walk through how to decide whether a drug that targets skin only or one that also addresses arthritis is the better fit, based on symptom patterns and personal health goals.
All these options—topical steroids, systemic immunomodulators, biologic therapy, and phototherapy—form a toolbox that physicians tailor to each case. In the articles below you’ll find side‑by‑side drug comparisons, dosing tips, safety warnings, and real‑world patient experiences. Whether you’re just hearing about psoriasis or you’ve been managing it for years, this collection gives you practical insights to talk confidently with your doctor about the latest treatment choices.
Learn how calcipotriol treats psoriasis in darker skin, its benefits, side effects, application tips, and how it compares to steroids and phototherapy.
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