60 out of 100 people achieve excellent improvement over 12-16 weeks, because of the drug.
(3/3 stars evidence)
People saw improvement as early as 1-2 weeks.
Topical Treatments
Topical Treatments
What is it and how does it work?
e.g. Gel or ointment from a tube
Topical products are applied to the skin. They are sometimes combined with other treatments for better results.
Corticosteroids (E.g. Betamethasone, Betaject, Betaderm, Betnesol, Diprosone, Diprosalic…)
Topical corticosteroids reduce inflammation. They range from mild to high-strength.
Tazarotene (Vitamin A Analogues) (E.g. Tazorac)
Tazarotene slows skin cell growth and reduces inflammation.
Vitamin D Analogues (E.g. Calcipotriol or Dovonex)
Vitamin D analogues slow skin cell growth.
Combination Corticosteroid and Vitamin D Analogue (E.g. Dovobet, Xamiol, Enstilar)
Corticosteroids and vitamin D analogues together can work better than either drug alone.
Topical corticosteroids reduce inflammation. Vitamin D analogues slow skin cell growth.
Who is this for?
Topical products are usually for mild to moderate psoriasis.
Who is this not for?
Corticosteroids (E.g. Betamethasone, Betaject, Betaderm, Betnesol, Diprosone, Diprosalic…)
You should not take this drug if you are allergic or sensitive to corticosteroids. Talk to your doctor to find out if this treatment is right for you.
Tazarotene (Vitamin A Analogues) (E.g. Tazorac)
You should not take this drug if you are allergic or sensitive to vitamin A analogues. Talk to your doctor to find out if this treatment is right for you.
Vitamin D Analogues (E.g. Calcipotriol or Dovonex)
This may not be for people with high levels of calcium or vitamin D, or sensitivity to vitamin D analogues. Talk to your doctor to find out if this treatment is right for you.
Combination Corticosteroid and Vitamin D Analogue (E.g. Dovobet, Xamiol, Enstilar)
This may not be for people with high levels of calcium or vitamin D. You should not take this if you are allergic or sensitive to corticosteroids or vitamin D analogues. Talk to your doctor to find out if this treatment is right for you.
How well does it work?
Corticosteroids (E.g. BetamethasonCorticosteroids (E.g. Betamethasone, Betaject, Betaderm, Betnesol, Diprosone, Diprosalic...)
Tazarotene (Vitamin A Analogues) (E.g. Tazorac)
39 to 50 out of 100 people achieve excellent improvement over 12-16 weeks, because of the drug.
People saw improvement as early as 1-2 weeks.
Vitamin D Analogues (E.g. Calcipotriol or Dovonex)
45 out of 100 people achieve excellent improvement over 12-16 weeks, because of the drug.
People saw improvement as early as 2-4 weeks.
Combination Corticosteroid and Vitamin D Analogue (E.g. Dovobet, Xamiol, Enstilar)
56 out of 100 people saw very mild psoriasis* as early as weeks because of the drug. People saw improvement as early as 1-2 weeks.
*For this treatment, we say “very mild psoriasis” instead of “excellent improvement”. This is because this study used a slightly different score to measure psoriasis severity.
This evidence cannot be graded with stars.
What are the possible side effects?
Corticosteroids (E.g. Betamethasone, Betaject, Betaderm, Betnesol, Diprosone, Diprosalic…)
Serious: Possible risk of hormone suppression if taking high doses for long periods. There is not enough evidence to show the exact chances of these side effects. But, the risk is similar to people not taking treatment.
Other: Skin irritation where applied.
Pregnancy: Category C. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. It is not clear if there is a risk during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Tazarotene (Vitamin A Analogues) (E.g. Tazorac)
Serious: None
Other: Skin irritation where applied.
Pregnancy: Category X. This drug is not safe during pregnancy. It is not clear if there is a risk during breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Vitamin D Analogues (E.g. Calcipotriol or Dovonex)
Serious: Possible risk of high levels of serum calcium, which could lead to kidney, bone, or heart problems. Chances of this side effect may be similar to people not taking this treatment.
Other: Skin irritation where applied.
Pregnancy: Category C. It is not clear if there is a risk during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. Do not put this on the breast area during breastfeeding.
Combination Corticosteroid and Vitamin D Analogue (E.g. Dovobet, Xamiol, Enstilar)
Serious: Possible risk of hormone suppression if taking high doses for long periods. There is not enough evidence to show the exact chances of these side effects., But, the risk is similar to people not taking treatment.
Other: Skin irritation where applied.
Pregnancy: Category C. . It is not clear if there is a risk during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. Do not put this on the breast area during breastfeeding.
Will it inconvenience me?
Topical treatments are less convenient when psoriasis covers a lot of skin or is hard to reach. Make sure to continue using these treatments consistently, as prescribed.
How much does it cost?
Combination Corticosteroid and Vitamin D Analogue (E.g. Dovobet, Xamiol, Enstilar)
$500 - $2,400 USD/year to treat 1% body surface area.
Corticosteroids (E.g. Betamethasone, Betaject, Betaderm, Betnesol, Diprosone, Diprosalic…)
$10 - $25 USD/year to treat 1% body surface area.
Tazarotene (Vitamin A Analogues) (E.g. Tazorac)
$2,000 - $2,200 USD/year to treat 1% body surface area.
Vitamin D Analogues (E.g. Calcipotriol or Dovonex)
$200 - $900 USD/year to treat 1% body surface area.
Prices as of 2016 and may vary by region.
Click here for information about accessing and paying for treatment in Canada