Which topical therapy is commonly used as first-line treatment for psoriasis?

Which topical therapy is commonly used as first-line treatment for psoriasis?

• A. Tar
• B. Topical corticosteroids
• C. Vitamin D analog
• D. Moisturizer

Answer: (B)

Topical corticosteroids are first-line because they directly quell the skin inflammation driving psoriasis and rapidly improve redness, itching, and scaling. They work by reducing inflammatory cytokines and slowing keratinocyte proliferation, which dampens the abnormal skin turnover that creates plaques. For mild to moderate disease, low- to mid-potency steroids applied to affected areas provide strong anti-inflammatory effects with a manageable safety profile when used appropriately, and they’re often used as a staple therapy. Other options like tar can help but are less convenient and less potent, while vitamin D analogs are helpful—especially as a steroid-sparing addition—but are typically used alongside corticosteroids rather than replacing them. Moisturizers improve hydration but don’t address the inflammatory process, so they’re not sufficient as monotherapy for active plaques.

Topical corticosteroids are first-line because they directly quell the skin inflammation driving psoriasis and rapidly improve redness, itching, and scaling. They work by reducing inflammatory cytokines and slowing keratinocyte proliferation, which dampens the abnormal skin turnover that creates plaques. For mild to moderate disease, low- to mid-potency steroids applied to affected areas provide strong anti-inflammatory effects with a manageable safety profile when used appropriately, and they’re often used as a staple therapy. Other options like tar can help but are less convenient and less potent, while vitamin D analogs are helpful—especially as a steroid-sparing addition—but are typically used alongside corticosteroids rather than replacing them. Moisturizers improve hydration but don’t address the inflammatory process, so they’re not sufficient as monotherapy for active plaques.