6 Too Good To Be True Psoriasis Treatments Everyday Health
6 Too-Good-To-Be-True Psoriasis Treatments Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Psoriasis
Exorex is a line of expensive gels and shampoos advertised as containing emulsified coal tar to treat psoriasis. But there's no magic here — emulsifying coal tar usually just means processing it with emollients. The FDA allows coal tar to be marketed for psoriasis treatment, and coal tar treatments have long been used to manage plaques, but many common drugstore brands contain as much or more coal tar as Exorex. Prescription topical treatments might be more effective. So talk to your doctor about whether coal tar products are appropriate for you.
6 Too-Good-To-Be-True Psoriasis Treatments
Effective medications exist to help manage psoriasis, but many people are still tempted to try alternative approaches. Beware of psoriasis scams that could hurt, not heal. By Madeline R. Vann, MPHMedically Reviewed by Niya Jones, MD, MPHReviewed: January 7, 2015Medically ReviewedThinkstockIf you’re hoping for a magic pill to keep your psoriasis under control, beware: Scammers are out to fool you. Do your research and talk to your doctor to find out whether you’re considering bogus psoriasis treatments and would do better with a prescription psoriasis medication. “In general when I talk to patients about treatment, I tell them that over-the-counter remedies are not particularly effective,” explained dermatologist Junko Takeshita, MD, PhD, a clinical instructor in the dermatology department at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. What's more, miracle cures or supplements promoted by scam artists could be downright dangerous. “I think people are always looking for alternative treatments because the systemic medications can have adverse side effects," Dr. Takeshita said, but she noted that even treatments called natural approaches could be psoriasis scams and may actually lead to more severe side effects than you might expect. Read on to know when to be leery.Skin-Cap Blue-Cap and Psor-Val
Different names, same idea. Manufacturers of these products tried flying under the radar of agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), putting prescription-strength active ingredients in their products. Not really bogus psoriasis treatments, they can work — but they can also be extremely dangerous because of high levels of topical steroids. “At the right dose, these are used to help control flares of psoriasis,” explained Takeshita. “It’s not surprising it would be effective.” But ongoing use of strong topical steroids, especially without your doctor's supervision, can lead to adverse effects such as thinning skin, skin infections, and other complications.Miralex
Not to be confused with the fiber product Miralax, this is another topical treatment with high levels of steroids, specifically clobetasol. Miralex, which was made in Canada, was the subject of a class action lawsuit in 2002 after the Canadian government issued a warning that included the risk of plaque psoriasis turning into the pustular form after stopping Miralex. If you're tempted to seek out stronger meds like this in another country, don’t: “They don’t provide the same level of regulation that we have here,” Takeshita warned.Exorex
Exorex is a line of expensive gels and shampoos advertised as containing emulsified coal tar to treat psoriasis. But there's no magic here — emulsifying coal tar usually just means processing it with emollients. The FDA allows coal tar to be marketed for psoriasis treatment, and coal tar treatments have long been used to manage plaques, but many common drugstore brands contain as much or more coal tar as Exorex. Prescription topical treatments might be more effective. So talk to your doctor about whether coal tar products are appropriate for you.