Psoriasis: Medications and light therapies
To treat psoriasis, most people apply medication directly to their skin. If you need stronger treatment, your dermatologist may prescribe light treatments or medication that works throughout the body. Find information about the many different psoriasis treatments here.
![Anguished woman with psoriasis on elbow](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/4aa4pCLVmmtmr5oxPiHhqv/9b5592ca75e84964a3777890339b26c6/Woman-depressed-about-psoriasis.jpg?w=450&h=300)
Treating psoriasis can benefit your body and mind. Find out how.
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Most treatments that you buy without a prescription are meant to treat mild psoriasis. There is one that dermatologists recommend everyone who has psoriasis use.
![woman applying lotion](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/3pmK5Z7goLXvm6M9GJ3OiV/3ee7494a21cb27cf3dcd0c99e92c17d7/Applying-a-small-amount-of-medicine-to-the-skin.jpg?w=450&h=300)
Find out how dermatologists answer this question, along with related questions, such as “What happens if I stop treatment?”
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Board-certified dermatologist Steve Feldman, MD, PhD, FAAD, is often asked this question. See what he tells them.
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A dermatologist will tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs. Here’s what the treatment plan can include.
What dermatologists want you to know about psoriasis treatment
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Board-certified dermatologist Steve Feldman, MD, PhD, FAAD, tells you the one thing you need to do before buying any psoriasis treatment online.
![image for financial assistance](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/48oGlkVtz275PuDvzYGgOJ/958060df05c58294015c588d7a38c202/FINANCIAL-ASSISTANCE.png?w=450&h=300)
If you cannot afford the treatment that your dermatologist prescribes, you may still be able to take it. See what financial help is available.
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Treating psoriasis can do more than clear your skin. These psoriasis treatments may benefit your heart and blood vessels, too.
Psoriasis medication you apply to your skin
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Dermatologists often include a corticosteroid in a psoriasis treatment plan. Find out why it’s prescribed and how to get the best results.
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Your dermatologist may prescribe coal tar alone or add it to a treatment plan that includes other medicines or phototherapy. Make sure you know where to never apply it.
![Close-up of cream on tip of finger](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/4Ko6m84zoU8LprhbNZzbqa/f61b01498278ce6a754db27364923bf9/lotion_finger.jpg?w=450&h=300)
This strong medication can flatten thick psoriasis, remove scale, and treat your nails. Find out how often most patients need to apply it.
![Man caring for his skin](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/4PeebIvHHlOy6LtJFoIaXH/98a5fc9e03095fb13420d25282c19509/psoriasis-medications-tacrolimus-pimecrolimus.png?w=450&h=300)
Prescribed to treat plaque and inverse psoriasis, these medications can be applied to sensitive areas, such as the face and armpits. Find out what to avoid if a TCI is part of your treatment plan.
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Dermatologists often prescribe tazarotene along with a corticosteroid that you apply to your skin. Find out what this combination can do for psoriasis.
Light therapy that can treat psoriasis
![Phototherapy treatment on the hand](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/6KlqEVo8XaJtknFm3iIs8a/728461da17596942ccbf74d3a13dc734/psoriasis-medications-phototherapy.png?w=450&h=300)
If other treatment fails to work or proves unsafe for you, phototherapy may be a treatment option. See what’s involved.
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Approved to treat psoriasis at home, this device has some limitations. Find out what you should know before buying one.
Psoriasis medication that works throughout the body
![Man taking medication](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/5f25IB7dExfMmKMZLvXXTY/685aeacfb000771a02d4dcdc41f1359e/psoriasis-medications-apremilast.png?w=450&h=300)
Apremilast provides strong treatment for plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. You’ll find information about how to take it, possible side effects, and more here.
![Doctor fills a syringe with a biologic treatment medication](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/6QaDLCw9zJbxsHpOx5DbWN/87ee9e9405e68aa67c340e64f2cbb876/psoriasis-medications-biologics.png?w=450&h=300)
A biologic is an important treatment option for people with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or both. Get the facts.
![Dermatologist showing patient printed information about biosimilars](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/4ZQ2WpXIJYyFP7tXXj58VT/923b2e6be1b6830b704b773405975f23/biosimilars-dermatologist-patient.png?w=450&h=300)
This information can help you understand what a biosimilar is, why your dermatologist may prescribe one, and when your pharmacist may give you a biosimilar instead of the biologic your dermatologist prescribed.
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This medication can treat extensive or disabling psoriasis. Find out how long people typically take it, what to avoid, and more.
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If this medication is an option for you, you should not drink alcohol while on methotrexate. Here’s what else you should know.
![Doctor holding prescription pad](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/1FRtN8pZIptYY4gipNGuke/56df27903b4229f7ee4ad700ec888175/psoriasis-medications-off-label.png?w=450&h=300)
Finding the right treatment can be challenging. Sometimes, a medication used to treat another condition works best, such as one of these.
![Mature woman with hand on chin reading label on prescription medicine bottle](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/4hDuQwbHymG7xr1MXcpVUs/c19e8199da8cdd26c72195f8767d56f2/psoriasis-medications-oral-retinoid-acitretin.png?w=450&h=300)
Approved to treat severe psoriasis, this strong medication has proven effective for treating different types of psoriasis. Learn more.