New topical treatments for psoriasis are coming out regularly, but what can we expect for 2018?

There are many new topical treatments for psoriasis. Some, such as coal tar and anthralin, have been the focus of psoriasis treatment for more than 100 years. Creams containing corticosteroids have been in use for at least 50 years.

Compared to coal tar or anthralin, the use of salicylic acid is more recent but is still one of the oldest treatments for psoriasis. And then, more recent topical treatments for psoriasis include calcipotriol, calcipotriol / betamethasone, and tazarotene.

1 – Calcipotriol

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Calcipotriol, as described by Wikipedia,  is a form of vitamin D synthesis. It helps to control the proliferation of skin cells that cause psoriasis symptoms. It is available as a cream, ointment and scalp lotion. Betamethasone is a corticosteroid. It works by reducing skin inflammation (redness, pain) associated with psoriasis.

Betamethasone is available as a cream, ointment and lotion for the scalp. The product that combines calcipotriol and betamethasone is available as an ointment. We can initially apply calcipotriol twice a day, then once a day once the treatment starts to work. We can apply the calcipotriol / betamethasone combination once daily to affected areas.

The most common side effect of calcipotriol is skin irritation. This side effect is rarer when using the combination product. Allergic reactions may also occur. We cab observe an increase in the level of calcium in the blood when treating extensive areas of the body (particularly regions with skin lesions). Depending on your situation, the doctor may order regular blood tests to make sure your calcium levels stay at a healthy level.

2 – Tazarotene

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The medical section of the Free Dictionary quotes that Tazarotene belongs to a group of medicines called retinoids. It is a derivative of vitamin A. It is thought to work by controlling the proliferation of skin cells and reducing inflammation.

Tazarotene is available as a cream and gel and is applied once a day. It begins to take effect after about a week, and most people experience an improvement in their symptoms after 12 weeks of treatment. We can stop the treatment once psoriasis is eliminated.

Tazarotene is contraindicated for pregnant women because it can cause birth defects. It is also contraindicated for people who are allergic to tazarotene or who have a skin disease called seborrheic parakeratosis.

The safety of tazarotene during breastfeeding is not a certitude. Tazarotene can increase people’s sensitivity to sunlight, so people need to protect themselves by applying sunscreen and wearing clothes.

The most common side effects of tazarotene are itching, redness, burning and irritation of the skin. More rarely, tazarotene can cause skin pain, skin peeling, erythema, dry skin, burning sensation and high levels of a certain type of fat called triglycerides.

3 – New systemic treatments for psoriasis

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There is a new group of drugs, called biologics, to treat moderate to severe psoriasis. Organic products consists of living cells and in this sense differ from other types of drugs. Biologics act on the immune system. They decrease the activity of the cells of the immune system called T cells.

In psoriasis the cells become overactive, which leads to the uncontrolled proliferation of cutaneous cells causing the plaques and scales that accompany psoriasis. Biologics treat psoriasis by helping to control the proliferation of skin cells.

Biologics act specifically on the part of the immune system that directly affects psoriasis. This specificity makes them more selective than immunosuppressants (a group of drugs including cyclosporine and methotrexate) that decrease the activity of the immune system as a whole.

Alefacept is the first biologic available in Canada for the treatment of psoriasis. It consists in administering weekly by intramuscular injection (into a muscle). People can usually learn to self-inject at home. The usual treatment period is 12 weeks. Alefacept provides patients with a remission of 8 months on average.

The most common side effects of alefacept are headache, runny nose and sore throat. Less frequently, it may result in dizziness, nausea, bleeding, swelling, or lumpiness in the area of ​​the injection. More serious and rare side effects include infection, liver problems and allergic reactions. Also, the safety of alfeacept during pregnancy or lactation is not certain.

4 – Natural treatments

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Natural treatments still remain my favorite form of remedy, and, not only for psoriasis but for just about everything to do with health.

If this is your cup of tea, then I will point you to a few reviews for products that I have personally tested, or personally know someone who has some excellent results with at least one of them. Just click here to my >> Products Reviews << page and make your choice.

And if you have tested something that you can recommend, please feel free to share your success with us in the comment box below this article.

Research on new topical treatments For Psoriasis

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What are researchers doing to find a cure for psoriasis? Here are some of the most popular new areas of research.

Infections as triggering factors

We already know that a streptococcal pharyngitis-like infection can trigger a type of psoriasis (psoriasis in drops).

Could other infections be involved?

Scientists are studying the role of many varieties of bacteria and viruses, such as papillomavirus, staphylococci and Malassezia furfur, to determine if they can trigger psoriasis. Once known psoriasis infections begin, treatments and tests can be developed to help prevent and control psoriasis.

Genetic research

In the case of psoriasis, the skin cells of the affected regions proliferate uncontrollably, leading to the formation of scaly patches. The researchers identified the genes involved in the uncontrolled proliferation of skin cells. The goal is then to develop treatments that target these genes and help regulate the proliferation of skin cells.

Precise adjustment of the immune system

The immune system plays a complex role in psoriasis. Previously, treatments targeted the immune system as a whole, increasing the risk of infections. Better understanding what parts of the immune system are involved in psoriasis will help develop specific treatments for the affected areas.

Organic products are an example of targeted treatment. They act on T cells, which become hyperactive in the case of psoriasis. Researchers are also trying to find new targets. Cytokines are a promising target.

Cytokines are chemical messengers that the cells of the immune system use to communicate. Therefore, targeting cytokines can lead to precision treatment with fewer side effects.

Attack of the blood vessels supplying the affected areas

Skin cells need a blood supply to proliferate. Scientists are currently working on treatments that could inhibit the formation of new blood vessels in areas affected by psoriasis. Inhibition of the formation of new blood vessels in these regions could help regulate the proliferation of skin cells. This approach could help treat psoriasis.

Thanks for reading

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If you know of any natural treatment that proved to be successful and would like to share your experience with us, you are welcome to do so here below. Any questions? Please use the box below and I, or someone, will respond as soon as possible. If you are creating your own psoriasis home remedies that work, please do share them with us. Also feel free to share this socially. I will be very much appreciate it!

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