Drugs Linked to Psoriasis: A Comprehensive List and Possible Remedial Measures
In the United States, over 8 million people live with psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease. While there are numerous treatments available, some common medications can inadvertently exacerbate psoriasis symptoms or even trigger the condition in those who are susceptible.
One such group of medications are the beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol, which are prescribed to manage heart conditions. These drugs can induce psoriasis in up to 30% of susceptible patients, often within the first month of treatment. They interfere with cellular signaling that regulates skin cell production, leading to the development of red, purple, or greyish patches of skin, which can also be flaky and covered with scales, and an intense itching or burning sensation [1].
Lithium, a psychiatric mood stabilizer, is another drug that can cause drug-induced psoriasis in about 45% of patients using it. It accumulates in skin cells, disrupting normal function and leading to severe, treatment-resistant psoriasis [1].
Antimalarial drugs, including hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, may trigger psoriasis months after starting treatment by creating inflammatory cascades through immune interference [1].
ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril) and angiotensin receptor blockers (e.g., losartan), which are blood pressure medications, can also induce psoriasis, often presenting as guttate psoriasis (small drop-like lesions) due to effects on inflammatory mediators [1].
However, it's important to note that not all medications are detrimental to those with psoriasis. Other treatments, such as cyclosporine, methotrexate, retinoids, biologics, and apremilast (Otezla), are actually used to treat psoriasis by suppressing or modulating the immune system rather than worsening it [3][4].
It's also worth mentioning that factors other than medications can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. These include stress, alcohol consumption, smoking, physical injuries, illnesses, hormonal changes, cold weather, and certain vaccinations [2][5].
If you or someone you know is experiencing severe psoriasis symptoms while on medication, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider. They may recommend switching to a different anti-TNF agent or a biologic drug if the current medication is found to be a trigger [6].
References: [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3135548/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4137478/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2835219/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2728634/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3135548/ [6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4137478/
Seekers of treatments for psoriasis should be aware that some common medications, such as beta-blockers, lithium, antimalarial drugs, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers, can induce or worsen psoriasis symptoms in some patients [1][2]. Skin-care treatment seekers may also find that certain psychiatric mood stabilizers, like lithium, can cause drug-induced psoriasis in about 45% of patients using them [1]. Treatment seekers with malaria may unintentionally trigger psoriasis months after starting treatment with antimalarial drugs [1]. Personas susceptible to these conditions must consider the implications when seeking medical-conditions treatments, as some drugs can lead to severe, treatment-resistant psoriasis or guttate psoriasis [1]. Science has also developed treatments that suppress or modulate the immune system to treat psoriasis effectively, including cyclosporine, methotrexate, retinoids, biologics, and apremilast (Otezla) [3][4]. However, it's crucial to remember that other factors, such as stress, alcohol consumption, smoking, physical injuries, illnesses, hormonal changes, cold weather, and certain vaccinations, can also exacerbate psoriasis symptoms [2][5]. Health-and-wellness seekers experiencing severe psoriasis symptoms while on medication should consult a healthcare provider to discuss switching to a different anti-TNF agent or a biologic drug if the current medication is found to be a trigger [6].
