Psoriasis Help Organisation - Online Psoriasis Forum

Systemic medications are prescription medications that affect the entire body, and are usually reserved for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who are not responsive to or eligible for conventional topical medications or ultraviolet (UV) light treatments

Corticosteroids, which are ordinarily called "steroids" by doctors and patients, are the most frequently used treatment for psoriasis. Topical steroid medications are easy to use, often work quickly and can be very effective in controlling mild to moderate psoriasis lesions. Topical steroids are not considered adequate when used as the only treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis. However, they may complement other psoriasis treatments that are used to treat severe psoriasis.