3) Systemic medications
Systemic medications are less common in the treatment of psoriasis. Oral drugs expose the patients to more adverse effects than topical medications, so dermatologists usually don’t consider them the first choice of treatment unless there is a severe form of psoriasis. Most oral drugs used in controlling psoriasis act by suppressing the immune system which is accused of developing psoriasis.
Methotrexate and cyclosporine are the most common immune suppressants used to treat psoriasis. Since 2003, biological agents that act by inhibiting chemical mediators of the inflammatory reactions are used in the treatment of psoriasis. In April 2004, etanercept is approved by the FDA (Food and drug administration) for the treatment of psoriasis.
