Psoriasis: History, Present and Future Prospects

Psoriasis is a chronic condition which causes the inflammation of the skin due to the activation of immune system leading to abnormal keratinocytes proliferation. The keratinocytes mature within a week as compared to normal cycle of 27 to 28 days. The oldest of the treatment includes the use of coal tar, Dithranol, sunlight, Dead Sea salts and emollients. Dermatologists now have a host of new treatments for psoriasis, using immunobiologics to combat this disease. The first line treatment includes topical therapy with corticosteroids and phototherapy treatment. Immunomodulators have been use as an option for second line treatment, but most of them as off label therapies. The potent candidates include calcineurin inhibitors and cytotoxic agents. Methotrexate is considered as a gold standard against which the efficacies of other biologics are being evaluated. Novel drug delivery systems are also on their way for the treatment like methotrexate niosomal gel.