What is the best topical medication for psoriasis?
There isn't one "best" topical for everyone with psoriasis — what works depends on your specific type of psoriasis, where it appears on your body, and how your skin responds. However, several effective options are available.
Prescription topicals that dermatologists Show Full Answer
What is the best topical medication for psoriasis?
There isn't one "best" topical for everyone with psoriasis — what works depends on your specific type of psoriasis, where it appears on your body, and how your skin responds. However, several effective options are available.
Prescription topicals that dermatologists commonly recommend include:
- Corticosteroids (like betamethasone, clobetasol, or fluocinonide) — these reduce inflammation and slow skin cell growth
- Vitamin D derivatives (like calcipotriene) — help slow skin cell production
- Combination treatments (like betamethasone/calcipotriene) — offer benefits of both steroids and vitamin D
- Calcineurin inhibitors (like tacrolimus) — good for sensitive areas like the face or genitals
- Roflumilast (Zoryve) — a newer PDE4 inhibitor that reduces inflammation
- Tapinarof (Vtama) — works by modifying the immune system
- Retinoids (like tazarotene) — slow skin growth and reduce inflammation
Over-the-counter options that may help:
- Hydrocortisone cream (1% concentration) — especially for face or genital areas
- Coal tar products — considered one of the most effective OTC treatments
- Salicylic acid — helps remove scales
- Moisturizers with urea or lactic acid — help with dryness and scaling
A MyPsoriasisTeam member shared success with Aquaphor ointment, saying it controlled 80% of their plaque psoriasis from the first application.
Talk with your dermatologist to find which topical treatment is right for your specific situation and skin type.
April 8
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