Key points Cyclosporine (CsA) is a highly effective treatment option for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis with a rapid onset of action. Its mode of action includes the formation of a CsA-cyclophilin complex, which binds to and inhibits calcineurin. Inhibition…
Key points Acitretin is an effective agent for the treatment of plaque psoriasis and is often used in combination therapy (phototherapy and other systemic antipsoriatic agents). Acitretin is initially dosed at 10 to 25 mg/d with gradual escalation of 10 to…
Key points Methotrexate (MTX) remains a safe and effective modality for the treatment of severe, recalcitrant psoriasis when used appropriately. The exact mechanism of action of MTX in psoriasis is unknown, but it is thought to involve an immune modulatory…
Key points Psoralen-UV-A (PUVA) photochemotherapy involves use of either an oral or topical psoralen followed by exposure to long-wave UV-A radiation. This combination leads to a clinically beneficial phototoxic response, which has been used therapeutically for a wide array of…
Key points Phototherapy with UV light can be used in the treatment of several cutaneous disorders. Phototherapy is an efficacious treatment option in the management of psoriasis and should be a first therapy considered in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.…
Key points Today, psoriasis is a global disease causing significant impairment in quality of life, disfiguring morbidity, and increased mortality. Psoriasis affects men and women equally. Two-thirds of patients are thought to have mild disease, and one-third of patients are…