This drug is also not intended for long-term use because of a potential increased risk of skin cancer and lymphoma. They can be especially helpful in areas of thin skin, such as around the eyes, where steroid creams or retinoids are too irritating or may cause harmful effects.Ĭalcineurin inhibitors are not recommended when you're pregnant or breast-feeding or if you intend to become pregnant. Calcineurin inhibitors - such as tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel) - reduce inflammation and plaque buildup. Tazarotene isn't recommended when you're pregnant or breast-feeding or if you intend to become pregnant.Ĭalcineurin inhibitors. The most common side effects are skin irritation and increased sensitivity to light. Tazarotene (Tazorac, Avage) is available as a gel and cream and applied once or twice daily. Calcipotriene and calcitriol are usually more expensive than topical corticosteroids. Calcitriol may cause less irritation in sensitive areas. This type of drug may be used alone or with topical corticosteroids. Synthetic forms of vitamin D, such as calcipotriene and calcitriol (Vectical) slow skin cell growth. Over time, topical corticosteroids may stop working. Long-term use or overuse of strong corticosteroids can thin the skin. Your doctor may prescribe a stronger corticosteroid cream or ointment- triamcinolone (Acetonide, Trianex), clobetasol (Temovate) for smaller, less-sensitive or tougher-to-treat areas. Topical corticosteroids might be applied once a day during flares, and on alternate days or weekends only to maintain remission.
Mild corticosteroid ointments (hydrocortisone) are usually recommended for sensitive areas, such as your face or skin folds, and for treating widespread patches. They are available as ointments, creams, lotions, gels, foams, sprays and shampoos. These drugs are the most frequently prescribed medications for treating mild to moderate psoriasis. You might need to try different drugs or a combination of treatments before you find an approach that works for you. Which treatments you use depends on how severe the psoriasis is and how responsive it has been to previous treatment.