Don't let psoriasis go untreated! This autoimmune disease is a condition in which new skin cells develop faster than the old ones can die and fall away. The condition is chronic in nature and can continue to worsen over time if not treated appropriately. While there is no known cure for the condition, medical advancements have made it possible to bring the itching, redness, and scaling associated with psoriasis under control. Steroid creams and oral medications are the mainstays that many doctors rely on when treating psoriasis. Five popular medications for treating psoriasis include coal tar, Stelara, Humira, Tazora, and Clobex. Read on to find out more about these popular psoriasis medications.

Coal tar is a very popular medication for psoriasis. Created as a byproduct of coal, it is a natural substance, which appeals to many.  One thing that makes this so popular is that you can obtain it either over-the-counter or by prescription and it comes in a variety of forms. You can get coal tar in an ointment, lotion, shampoo, or cream. Used topically, it reduces the flaking, redness, and itching that comes with psoriasis. There is usually no set dosing schedule and any product is used as necessary. Side effects are rare and normally only a rash caused by an allergic reaction.  

Stelara suppresses the cells that cause infection in the body, creating a block on the major cause of psoriasis. It is often used with other forms of therapy such as UV light therapy. People like this drug because it gets to the main cause of the condition. Another positive is that the medication is given by injection, with an initial one then one two weeks later. After that injections are normally six weeks apart. This allows patients the freedom of not having to remember to use the medication. 

Humira reduces the chemical in the body that can cause the infection that causes psoriasis. It is a medication that is used by both children and adults, unlike many medications that are only to be used by adults. This drug is also taken by injection but patients aren't required to make regular appointments as the injections are self-given. After the initial and second dosages, only one dose every other week is necessary. This means the patient doesn't have to worry about being busy and missing doses or taking time out of their busy schedule to visit a hospital or doctor's office regularly.

Tazorac is a form of Vitamin A. It works by accelerating the growth of new skin cells, causing the dry, irritated cells of psoriasis to dissipate. Tazorac comes in the form of a foam, making it easy to apply. You apply it only once a day, before bed. The foam penetrates without leaving a greasy feeling. This is unlike many other treatments for psoriasis, which take time getting through the dry, flaky skin. Vitamin A is a substance that is naturally found in nature and this adds to the appeal of Tazorac for many individuals, especially those who already take many medications and don't want to stress their bodies even further.

Clobex is one of the most tolerated medications for psoriasis. This is a topical steroid that is prescribed for several skin disorders. It does an excellent job at reducing the inflammation that causes the itching with psoriasis. The side effects with Clobex are minimal for those who use it exactly as directed. The most likely side effect is an allergic skin reaction that increases itching but this will be evident upon first use and is rare. Full results can be realized within two weeks of regular usage. There have been no known bad reactions when using this with other medications.