Topical management of psoriasis - corticosteroids and sparing corticosteroid therapy.

Psoriasis is a complex disease that requires safe, long-term treatment. Topical steroid therapy, topical non-steroid therapy only, and a combination of various topical therapies in the treatment of mild to moderate forms of psoriasis are presented. Topical therapy includes corticosteroids, vitamin D3 analogs, retinoids, tars, anthralin, keratolytics, and topical immunomodulators. While most medications are approved for use as a single agent in the treatment of psoriasis, some of these drugs are most effective when used in combination with topical corticosteroids. Topical therapy is generally administered for mild and localized forms of psoriasis, whereas phototherapy and systemic therapy are reserved for extensive lesions and more severe forms of the disease. Individual approach is absolutely necessary in each patient with psoriasis.