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Topical Therapy I: Corticosteroids and Vitamin D Analogues

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Advances in Psoriasis

Abstract

Psoriasis is a life-long disease that affects approximately 2 % of the population. Approximately 80 % of psoriasis patients have mild to moderate disease. Topical therapies play an important role in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate disease. Patients often start treatment with topical steroids, vitamin D3 cream or ointment or a combination of the two. This chapter will describe the pharmacokinetics and mechanism of action of topical steroids and vitamin D analogues. Long-term side effects, the importance of vehicle, potency ratings as well as combination use with other treatment modalities will be discussed.

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Tajirian, A.L., Kircik, L. (2014). Topical Therapy I: Corticosteroids and Vitamin D Analogues. In: Weinberg, J., Lebwohl, M. (eds) Advances in Psoriasis. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4432-8_6

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