Which medications in the drug class Topical Retinoids are used in the treatment of Psoriasis?

Answer

Topical Retinoids

Aqueous gel formulations are odorless and colorless, and no long-term skin damage has been noted with topical retinoids. There is also no threat of worsening if the therapy is withdrawn, as with steroids. These drugs should not be used in women if pregnancy is a possibility.

Tazarotene (Tazorac Fabior, Avage)

Tazarotene is a retinoid prodrug that is converted to its active form in the body and modulates differentiation and proliferation of epithelial tissue and perhaps has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. It may be the drug of choice for those with facial lesions who are not at risk of pregnancy.

Tazarotene, although topical, is a category X medication. Topical tretinoin is of less use in psoriatic patients. A strategy that may be tried in patients who experience unacceptable irritation is to use short contact times. There are several protocols, but the least irritating is to apply the medication for 15-20 min and then wash off. The total time on may be increased by 15-20 minutes every few weeks until clinical efficacy or adverse cutaneous effects are seen. This short-contact method may be especially useful when one is using it in skin folds but is less effective for the plaque with very thick scale.

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Media Gallery

Plaque psoriasis is raised, roughened, and covered with white or silver scale with underlying erythema. Contributed by Randy Park, MD.
Guttate psoriasis erupted in this patient after topical steroid therapy was withdrawn during a pregnancy. Contributed by Randy Park, MD.
Plaque psoriasis is most common on the extensor surfaces of the knees and elbows. Contributed by Randy Park, MD.
Nail psoriasis. Pits, distal onycholysis (nail separation), and brownish staining ("oil spots") are classic nail findings
Inverse psoriasis. Occurring in skin folds, this will often lack the scale seen in other locations.
Pustular psoriasis of the soles. This may be confined to the hands and feet (Acrodermatitis Continua of Hallepeau) or may be part of a generalized pustular psoriasis (Von Zumbusch disease)

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Author

Jacquiline Habashy, DO, MSc Resident Physician, Department of Dermatology, Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific

Jacquiline Habashy, DO, MSc is a member of the following medical societies: American Osteopathic College of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

David T Robles, MD, PhD, FAAD Director, Dermatology Division, Chaparral Medical Group

David T Robles, MD, PhD, FAAD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

William D James, MD Paul R Gross Professor of Dermatology, Vice-Chairman, Residency Program Director, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

William D James, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Elsevier; WebMD.

Additional Contributors

Jeffrey Meffert, MD † Former Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology, University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio

Jeffrey Meffert, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, Association of Military Dermatologists, Texas Dermatological Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgements

Robert Arffa, MD Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Robert Arffa, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology