Table of contents:
- Various ointments to relieve psoriasis symptoms
- 1. Steroid ointment
- 2. Vitamin D analogues
- 3. Retinoids
- 4. Anthralin
- 5. Calcineurin inhibitors
Topical creams or ointments are the first-line treatment method for psoriasis. Regular use of ointments effectively controls inflammation and slows down the cell regeneration process thereby relieving the annoying psoriasis symptoms.
What ointments are the most effective in treating psoriasis?
Various ointments to relieve psoriasis symptoms
Psoriasis treatment can be done through oral (oral medication), injection or injection drugs, light therapy, and topical drugs. The use of topical medications, such as ointments applied directly to the skin, is one of the first attempts at treating psoriasis.
Most of the ointments for psoriasis are generally obtained through a doctor's prescription because they contain steroid ingredients that are potentially quite strong. However, there are also several types of non-steroids that can be purchased directly at a pharmacy.
1. Steroid ointment
Corticosteroid ointments are most often prescribed by doctors for the first time to treat psoriasis. This drug is made from the natural hormone corticosteroid produced by the adrenal glands above the kidneys.
This ointment can relieve inflammation in the skin that occurs due to psoriasis. By applying it regularly, swelling, red skin rash, and itching and burning sensations can gradually disappear.
The types of steroids used as topical psoriasis medications include the following.
- Hydrocortisone
- Betamethasone
- Calcipotriene
- Clobetasol
- Halobetasol
- Tazarotene
Corticosteroids actually consist of different types of steroid content. Mild symptoms can usually be relieved only by administering ointments containing mild steroids such as hydrocortisone. Conversely, severe symptoms require a stronger steroid content.
The stronger the potency of the steroid, the higher the risk of developing side effects. Side effects of corticosteroid ointments are often unavoidable when used widely and systemically or continuously, especially for types of ointments that have a strong steroid content.
In general, the possible side effects of corticosteroid ointments, including thinning or thickening of the skin, appear stretch marks, and make the skin area applied to darken. To avoid this, be sure to always use the ointment as directed by your doctor.
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, be aware of the following points when using steroid ointments to treat psoriasis.
- Apply steroid ointment only to the affected area.
- Do not use the ointment for more than three weeks or according to the time prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not stop using the routine ointment suddenly because it can cause a fatal skin inflammatory condition.
- Do not use ointments in the eye area, unless the ointment is specially formulated to treat symptoms in the eye area.
Corticosteroid ointments are safe for anyone to use. However, for those who are breastfeeding a baby, you must clean the cream that is applied to the breast before breastfeeding.
2. Vitamin D analogues
Vitamin D analogue is a synthetic form of vitamin D and is included in the non-steroidal ointment class. This drug is useful for slowing down the production of excess skin cells which is one of the symptoms of psoriasis. Your doctor may recommend using this ointment twice a day to relieve psoriasis symptoms.
The following types of analog vitamin D ointments that doctors usually prescribe.
- Calcipotriene (Calcitrene, Dovonex, Sorilux)
- Calcitriol (Rocaltrol and Vectical)
- Tacalcitol (Bonalfa and Curatoderm)
Vitamin D analogues have a low probability of side effects. Sometimes, this medication is used in conjunction with steroid ointments.
3. Retinoids
This drug is made from retinol which is a vitamin A derivative. The function of retinoids is to normalize the activity of skin cell growth while slowing down the inflammatory process.
There are different types of retinoids with different potency for vitamin A. The most common form of this psoriasis ointment is tazarotene.
Please note, the use of retinoid ointment for psoriasis symptoms can cause the skin to become more sensitive when exposed to the sun and prone to irritation. Doctors also usually do not recommend this ointment for pregnant women or women in pregnancy programs.
4. Anthralin
Ointments containing anthralin or dithranol can inhibit the growth of new skin cells that are too fast due to autoimmune conditions. Initially, anthralin was only given as a short-term treatment in the hospital, but now it can be used alone even according to doctor's rules.
There are no significant side effects. However, the use of ointments outside of medical regulations can cause skin irritation. You also still need to be careful when using it because this medicine can leave stains on clothes, fabrics, or nails.
Therefore, so that the stain does not hit the nails, it's a good idea to wear gloves when using this ointment.
5. Calcineurin inhibitors
The content of salicylic acid functions to remove scaly skin and remove damaged skin cells. However, ointments with salicylic acid should not be used for widespread psoriasis symptoms. Too much salicylic acid absorption in the skin increases the potential for irritation.
Meanwhile, the ointment containscoal tar or coal tar can inhibit the growth of new skin cells caused by psoriasis while restoring skin health as it was before. This ointment is also able to relieve the itching and burning that occurs due to psoriasis inflammation.
The higher the concentration coal tarit is, the sooner the symptoms are resolved. However, it is possible that this ointment causes skin irritation. Therefore, try it first on the healthy skin. See if there is a reaction such as a red rash.
To be safer, apply this ointment after using a non-cosmetic skin moisturizer.
Regardless of what ointment you use, use the ointment in the portion and length of time recommended by a dermatologist. If your condition does not improve, immediately consult a doctor to get other types of drugs.
