Best treatments for psoriasis

Understanding psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) disease in which the immune system becomes overactive and causes skin cells to multiply too quickly. Normally skin cells rise to the surface about once a month, but in psoriasis this turnover happens within about 7 to 14 days, so cells pile up. The most common form, plaque psoriasis, appears as raised, red patches of skin covered by silvery-white scales that may itch or burn, typically on the elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk. Other types include guttate, inverse, pustular, and erythrodermic psoriasis, and it may also affect the nails and joints. Its cause is not fully understood but involves a combination of genetics and environmental factors; triggers and risk factors can include infections, certain medications, smoking, and obesity. Symptoms often come and go, flaring for a time and then subsiding or going into remission. A clinician can usually diagnose psoriasis by examining the skin, sometimes taking a skin sample (biopsy) to check for other conditions. Treatment is chosen by type and severity, ranging from creams and ointments to light therapy, pills, and injections. This is general information, not medical advice.

Frequently asked

What treats psoriasis?

Our catalog lists 38 products that may treat psoriasis, based on NIH RxClass (MED-RT “may treat”) drug-classification data — not the verbatim FDA label. They're rated where FDA recall-safety data exists; the current top-rated option is gengraf.

What is the best-rated treatment for psoriasis?

By our independent recall-safety rating — not an efficacy measure — gengraf ranks highest among the products we list for psoriasis. Always consult a professional.

How are these treatments ranked?

By our independent score, currently based on FDA regulatory recall-safety data (the methodology blends additional sources as they come online). See the How we rate page.

What types of drugs treat psoriasis?

Treatments for psoriasis span FDA drug classes including calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant, retinoid, interleukin-12 antagonist, interleukin-23 antagonist, vitamin d analog. Compare every option side by side, ranked by independent rating, above.

Treatment associations are derived from NIH RxClass (MED-RT “may treat”) drug-classification data — not the verbatim FDA label. This is general reference, not medical advice — always consult a licensed professional.