Topical ointments for psoriasis

[scoco_22]

Hello, my name is Kevin Garnett from Boston and my questions pertains to the use of ointment creams in regards to psoriasis maintenance.  I have 3 different types of creams:  Dovonex, Triamcinolone, and Hydrocortisone.  Can somebody please explain the daily application of all three as I am not privy to how they  are correlated and isolated. Is there any particular order in which these need to be applied?  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Lesions in psoriasis are recurrent in quite a few cases and therefore require long term medication.

As a first step, medicated ointments or creams like corticosteroids, cvutamin D analogues, anthralin, etc, called topical treatments, are applied to the skin.

If topical treatment fails to achieve the desired goal then the next step is to expose the skin to ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation or PUVA therapy (PSORALEN +UV-A). This is called phototherapy.

The third step involves the use of medications which are taken by pills or injection including methotrexate, cyclosporine and retinoids.. This approach is called systemic treatment.

Over time, psoriasis can become resistant to a specific therapy. Treatments may be periodically changed to prevent resistance developing.

More information on Psoriasis may be found at :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psoriasis

and

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/psoriasis/article_em.htm

Keep us posted and let us know what the doctor says.

Regards