Methotrexate Therapy for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin, nails and joints. The affected skin portions are called psoriatic plaques, which are characterized by excessive skin production, resulting in red, dry patches. Though plaques can occur in any part of the body, they are more common in the elbows and knees. Psoriasis can also affect the fingernails and toenails, which is a condition referred to as psoriatic nail dystrophy. Psoriasis in the joints are known as psoriatic arthritis. As per statistics, about 10 - 15 percent of psoriasis occur as psoriatic arthritis. It is estimated that about 2 percent of the world's population suffer from psoriasis.

Psoriasis: Symptoms and Causes

The symptoms of psoriasis are recurrent and may vary from mild to severe conditions. In mild cases, the skin appears faint reddish, whereas in severe cases, thick scaly plaques may cover the whole body. For some patients, symptoms worsen in cold climatic conditions. The cause of psoriasis is not yet known. Medical researchers are of the opinion that both genetic and environmental factors play a major role in the development of psoriasis. An individual with a predisposition to psoriasis develops the condition after exposure to stress, alcohol consumption and smoking. Psoriasis is diagnosed based on the skin appearance and skin biopsy. Let's discuss in brief about methotrexate therapy for treatment of psoriasis.

Psoriasis Treatment: Methotrexate Therapy

Treatment of psoriasis vary based on the effectiveness of the patient towards the particular treatment option. It also depends upon the affected portion and the extent of severity. After correct diagnosis, the physician may analyze whether the symptoms are manageable with topical ointments or not. If there is no improvement after application of creams and ointments, the patient may be treated with phototherapy and photochemotherapy. Phototherapy refers to treatment of the condition by exposure to light, whereas medications along with phototherapy are practiced in case of photochemotherapy.

If there is no improvement in the symptoms after topical treatment and phototherapy, the physician may prescribe potential toxic medications, which are referred to as systemic treatments. Systemic medications are available as oral pills or administered via injections. Methotrexate therapy is a popular systemic treatment, which involves administration of methotrexate pills, an immunosuppressant of folic acid analogue. It reduces the responses of the body's immune system and lowers the production of skin cells, thereby decreasing the chances of inflammation. Methotrexate therapy is also effective in slowing down the progression of psoriatic arthritis.

It is to be noted that methotrexate therapy has many potential side effects and risks, which may lead to certain other health complications. The side effects are not significant in lower doses. In higher doses, it may result in loss of appetite and stomach pain. As this drug targets the immune system, the body's natural healing mechanism is disturbed. After prolonged administration of methotrexate, the body may become more susceptible to infections or infectious diseases. Other side effects of this immunosuppressant drug include a weakened immune system, high blood pressure, abnormal blood glucose level, stomach ulcer and damage of kidney and liver cells.

In order to avoid the long-term health effects of methotrexate therapy, physicians usually prescribe rotational therapy. Over here, methotrexate drug is replaced by less toxic medication after a specific duration (6 months or 12 months). This way, damage to other body parts is reduced. It is always advisable to consult a physician about the pros and cons of methotrexate drugs before administering this therapy.