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Written or medically reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Policy.

Updated May 16, 2015.

Topical Treatments

Topical treatments include anything you apply to the skin, such as creams, ointments, sprays, foams, or medicated tapes. Many people with psoriasis have a drawer full of old tubes and pots of topical treatments they have used over the years. Most common are topical steroids, which decrease the inflammation in the skin and come in many strengths and forms. Vitamin D creams are also common although usually not as strong as steroids.


Older options which are still sometimes used today include tar creams and shampoos, anthralin, and Vitamin A derivatives.

Best used for

• People with small amounts of psoriasis
  
• Those where more aggressive medications might be dangerous
  
• In addition to more aggressive treatments to spot treat resistant areas
  

Advantages

• Some options are inexpensive
  
• Can be used as needed and applied in private at home
  
• Low risk of side effects when used appropriately
  
• Can target specific problem areas while leaving normal skin alone
  
• Can be tailored for use in different parts of the body (drops or foam for the scalp, for example)
  

Disadvantages

• Difficult and time consuming to apply to large areas
  
• Often not potent enough to completely clear thick or large plaques
  
• Large amounts may be needed if psoriasis is severe, leading to more expense and risk of side effects
  
• Does not help joints in people with psoriatic arthritis