HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Corticosteroids for Psoriasis
Examples
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Corticosteroid creams or ointments of various strengths may be used to treat Reference psoriasis Opens New Window. If a milder form doesn't work, a more potent (stronger) cream will be prescribed.
Corticosteroid creams, lotions, ointments, and solutions are classified in order of potency: class I (the most potent) to class VIII (the least potent).
To treat psoriasis, creams are applied once or twice a day.
As symptoms improve, the doctor may recommend a milder cream or may recommend that you apply it less often (for example, weekend use only).
The dosage is sometimes decreased to prevent developing drug tolerance. Or the doctor may rotate a corticosteroid with other medicines. For example, you may use a corticosteroid on the weekend but another topical (applied to the skin) medicine during the week.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: January 9, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Amy McMichael, MD - Dermatology |
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