Methotrexate for Psoriasis

Methotrexate. This medication slows down the build-up of dead skin cells by interfering with DNA and by suppressing the immune system. Methotrexate is also used to treat cancer. The doses used to treat psoriasis are much smaller than those used in cancer treatment. A supplement of folic acid (a B vitamin) may be taken at the same time. Methotrexate is very effective for people with widespread psoriasis that does not respond to ultraviolet light treatment or to medications applied to the skin. It is also effective for psoriatic arthritis. Skin improvement usually begins within several weeks of starting treatment. Maximum improvement is usually seen within 2 to 3 months. Medications applied to the skin may be used to treat any remaining plaques. If psoriasis still does not clear completely, or if the drug dose must be lowered to reduce side effects, methotrexate may be combined with UVB or PUVA phototherapy or with another medication, such as a retinoid. People taking methotrexate must be closely monitored. The drug can cause liver damage. It can also decrease the body's production of red and white blood cells and platelets. Regular blood tests should be done to check the blood count and liver and kidney function. A periodic liver biopsy may also be recommended because the drug's effects on the liver may not show up on blood tests. People who have liver disease or anemia should not take methotrexate. Methotrexate can cause birth defects. It cannot be used by pregnant women, women planning to become pregnant, or their male partners.

Finding Information on Psoriasis

Valuable sources of information on Psoriasis:

International Eczema-Psoriasis Foundation: Actively helping Eczema & Psoriasis SufferersThe International Eczema-Psorasis Foundation is an organization whose mission is to gather in one place, available information found on the web, in books and articles concerning the often confusing terms dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.

The National Psoriasis Foundation Home Page
The National Psoriasis Foundation. Who we are: We are a patient ... Find others who are coping with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. ...

MedlinePlus: Psoriasis
... Psoriasis. Printer-friendly version, E-mail this page to a friend. ... Search MEDLINE/PubMed for recent research articles on • Psoriasis.

PsoriasisNet
Dermatologist-reviewed information about the different types of psoriasis, diagnosis, and the many treatment options, including the biologics. ...

Psoriasis, Eczema, and Dermatitis Picture and Lifestyle Treatment ...Dermatitis-Ltd III. Psoriasis ... Information. Dermatitis-Ltd III effectively improvesthe appearance of seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. ...

What is Inverse Psoriasis?

Inverse or Flexural psoriasis is localized in the flexural surfaces of the skin, e.g., armpit, groin, under the breast, and other skin folds. Typically, it appears as smooth inflamed lesions without scaling and is particularly subject to irritation due to rubbing and sweating.

This type of psoriasis is often white in color, appears softened as if soaked by water, and may resemble a fungal infection. There is very little scaling, although the patches are inflamed and can be very sore. Appearing as it does in the folds of the skin, it is moister than other forms of psoriasis, and can be more uncomfortable physically.

Flexural psoriasis rarely occurs by itself. It is more likely to accompany common plaque psoriasis.

Psoriasis sufferers in their middle years or old age are more susceptible to this type of psoriasis as are people who are overweight and have more folds of skin.