Plaque psoriasis accounts for 80 percent of all cases of psoriasis and causes thick, red patches of skin covered in white flakes, reports the National Psoriasis Foundation. The rash often becomes painful or itchy, requiring treatment for the discomfort.

Types of Medications

Doctors often prescribe topical medications for the treatment of plaque psoriasis like topical corticosteroids, vitamin D creams and anthralin and retinoid cream. Oral and injectable medications include retinoids capsules and immunosuppressants like methotrexate, cyclosporine and infliximab.

Features

Topical medications typically reduce the appearance of mild to moderate cases of plaque psoriasis, but more severe cases may require a combination of creams and oral or injected drugs.

Function of Medications

Topical corticosteroids work by suppressing your immune system, and most of the oral and injected medications have the same function, but to a greater degree. Retinoids and anthralin reduce the amount of excess skin cells that cause plaque psoriasis.

Phototherapy

Sunlight reduces the appearance of plaque psoriasis, but sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer. To minimize this risk, doctors may use artificial light from UVB lamps or lasers to treat the condition.

Self-care

Over-the-counter creams like coal tar, moisturizers and soaking in an oatmeal bath often reduce plaque psoriasis, explains the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Avoiding alcohol and covering the rash at night with plastic wrap may also help, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Source:

Mayo Clinic: Psoriasis

U.S. National Library of Medicine: Psoriasis