Topical Treatments for Psoriasis
Applied directly on the infected areas:
Keratolytics (Dithranol - Vegetable and Mineral Tar – Salicylic Acid)
Help remove scales and prepare patches for other treatments.
Calcipotriol
A synthetic Vitamin D3 analogue, which inhibits the proliferation of keratinocytes by stimulating their correct maturity with no risk of significant side effects, but for some local irritation.
Tacalcitol
Another Vitamina D3 analogue that inhibits the proliferation of keratinocytes. It is considered a primary treatment for light-mild psoriasis vulgaris – just like other vitamin D3 derivatives – and can be associated with systemic treatments.
Calcipotriol and Betamethasone dipropionate
This new combination of Calcipotriol 50 μg/g and Betamethasone dipropionate 0.5 mg/g has been developed for the treatment of psoriasis. The former acts mainly on the keratinocytes, whilst the latter acts on the inflammation.
Calcitriol
This active metabolite of vitamin D3 is a powerful agent to inhibit the proliferation of keratinocytes. Calcitriol acts on the cutis, blocking keratinocytes differentiation. Several studies have shown it is safe and well tolerated in the treatment of plaque psoriasis involving the most sensitive parts of the body, such as the face, behind the ears, armpits, groins and under the breast.
Tazarotene
This retinoid normalises the proliferation of the skin cells responsible for the appearance of spots. It is valid for the treatment of plaque psoriasis and has a good level of safety. Itching and erythema may appear during treatment; very effective if associated with topic cortisone drugs.
Cortisone drugs
These drugs work on the inflammatory element of psoriasis and apparently inhibit cell division. However, they can only be used for short periods in order to avoid side effects such as skin atrophy.
Zinc pyrithione
An effective treatment to avoid itching; it has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial action on chronic skin diseases such as light-moderate plaque psoriasis seborrheic dermatitis and eczema. Many studies have shown that Zinc Pyrithione 0.25 % - 0.5 % - 1% is an effective treatment for dandruff. Well-tolerated and effective in removing skin flakes.
Nanosilicon (Nanosan)
This is a new option for the treatment of light-moderate psoriasis in the most sensitive parts of the body. It is the simplest form of silicon, thus it is rapidly absorbed and penetrates well into the skin cells. Nanosan has shown good results on the irritated sites and has an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect.