Corticosteroids for Psoriasis

Corticosteroids applied to the skin are the most commonly used medicines to treat psoriasis.

Topical corticosteroid medicines are used for:

• Mild to moderate psoriasis (patches cover less than 10% of the skin surface, or less than the skin area on one arm and hand).
• Patches that are resistant to treatment, especially on the hands and feet.
• Erupting guttate psoriasis (a type with many small patches).

Milder corticosteroid creams may be used on the face, groin, and armpits and on guttate patches. Stronger creams may be used on chronic plaque-type psoriasis.

Corticosteroid pills are rarely used because of potential serious side effects with long-term use. Corticosteroid injections are often not practical if a large area of skin is affected.

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