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Abstract:  Topical corticosteroids are the cornerstone of treatment for the majority of psoriasis patients. However, potential side effects of topical corticosteroids (i.e., cutaneous atrophy, telangiectasias, hypothalamic-pituitary axis suppression), coupled with the complex pathophysiology of psoriasis and the individual needs/preferences of psoriasis patients, represent a few of the limitations associated with topical corticosteroid monotherapy. While the combination of some agents with varying mechanisms of action has proven to be an effective strategy for improving efficacy and reducing concomitant drug application, others have displayed less efficacy, harm, and/or reduced cost-effectiveness. The purpose of this article is to review novel topical therapeutic combinations for the management of psoriasis and explore the role compounding pharmacies can have in providing healthcare providers and patients with effective and affordable alternative psoriasis therapies.

Related Keywords: Gregory Koyama, PharmD, Jenny Liu, PharmD, Alyse Scaffidi, PharmD, Maryam Khazraee, PharmD, Benjamin Epstein, PharmD, BCPS, plaque psoriasis, immune-modulated keratinocyte hyperproliferation, skin disorders, topical preparations, drug combination therapy, topical corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory therapy, inflammation, adverse effects, topical vitamin D3 analogues, calcipotriene, calcipotriol, topical retinoids, retinoic acids, tazarotene, topical calcineurin inhibitors, tacrolimus, topical salicylic acid, keratolytic, topical anthralin, skin irritation, topical urea, drug safety, topical methotrexate, folic acid antagonist, individualized therapy, patient adherence, drug costs

Related Categories: DERMATOLOGY, STABILITIES, COMPATIBILITIES, ADVERSE DRUG EVENTS, ALLERGY/IMMUNOLOGY/INFLAMMATION, PATIENT COMPLIANCE, DOSAGE FORMS/DRUG CARRIERS

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