Effective topical agents and emerging perspectives in the treatment of psoriasis

Psoriasis is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases. The mild form of psoriasis is usually treated with topical medications and phototherapy, whereas conventional systemic therapies, including retinoids, cyclosporine and methotrexate, are used for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. The therapeutic approach has been revolutionized over the past decade by the introduction of biologic agents or 'small molecules' that have been proven to have striking clinical efficacy. This review highlights the most effective topical antipsoriatic treatments, focusing on emerging promising topical drugs that are currently being tested in ongoing clinical trials. © 2012 Expert Reviews Ltd.