What agent is ineffective in the treatment of psoriasis?

From the Guidelines

Topical antifungals are ineffective in the treatment of psoriasis. While many agents like topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, retinoids, biologics, and systemic medications are used to manage psoriasis, topical antifungals have no direct therapeutic effect on this condition. This is because psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder characterized by hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and not caused by fungal infection. The pathophysiology involves dysregulation of T-cells and overproduction of inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha and interleukins, which topical antifungals do not target. Some key points to consider in the treatment of psoriasis include:

• The use of methotrexate, cyclosporine, and acitretin as traditional systemic therapies 1
• The role of biologics, such as tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, in the treatment of psoriasis 1
• The importance of considering the patient's medical and dermatologic history when selecting a treatment option 1 However, if a patient with psoriasis develops a secondary fungal infection of the affected skin, topical antifungals may be prescribed to treat that specific infection, but they will not improve the underlying psoriasis itself. In general, treatment options for psoriasis are guided by the severity of the disease, the patient's medical history, and the potential risks and benefits of each treatment option 1.

From the Research

Ineffective Agents in Psoriasis Treatment

• The provided studies do not directly mention an ineffective agent in the treatment of psoriasis, but they do discuss various treatment options and their effectiveness.
• Topical antifungals are not typically used to treat psoriasis, as it is not a fungal infection [ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ].
• The studies focus on the effectiveness of different treatments such as phototherapy [ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ], systemic medications [ 3, 4, 5 ], and topical corticosteroids [ 2, 4, 6 ].
• There is no mention of topical antifungals being used or ineffective in the treatment of psoriasis, but based on the context of the question, it can be inferred that topical antifungals would be ineffective in treating psoriasis since it is not a fungal disease.

Treatment Options for Psoriasis

• Phototherapy is a common treatment option for psoriasis [ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ].
• Systemic medications such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, and biologic agents are also used to treat psoriasis [ 3, 4, 5 ].
• Topical corticosteroids are widely used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis [ 2, 4, 6 ].