Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, raised, scaly patches known as plaques. The plaques result from an increased production of skin cells and occur anywhere on the body including the knees, elbows, and scalp. Psoriasis can also progress to the joints to cause swelling and tenderness and is referred to as psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis is considered an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system inappropriately attacks the body instead of protecting it. Symptoms vary and include itching and pain where the plaques occur. Certain triggers, such as stress, injury to the skin, and medications, can cause flare.
Mild cases of psoriasis can be treated with over-the-counter medications to relieve itching, but moderate to severe cases require prescription drugs. Calcipotriene (Calcitene, Dovonex, Sorilux), a form of vitamin D, is available as a prescription cream, ointment, or foam to treat psoriasis plaques on the scalp or other parts of the body. Methotrexate (Trexall) is an oral prescription medication for treatment of severe psoriasis that slows the rate of skin cell growth. A group of medications known as biologics are used when a person has not responded to other treatments. The biologics block the body’s ability to attack itself. Biologics must be injected and include adalimumab (Humira) and etanercept (Enbrel).
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A Community Pharmacy serving North Central Florida.
Live Oak:
386-362-2591
1520 Ohio Ave South; Live Oak, FL 32064
Lake City:
386-754-5377
161 Stonegate Ter; Suite 105; Lake City, FL 32024
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