Drugs in exacerbation of psoriasis

Abstract

Drugs that have been associated with the precipitation or exacerbation of psoriasis include lithium, beta adrenergic receptor blocking agents, and antimalarials. The withdrawal of corticosteroids has been reported to activate pustular psoriasis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as indomethacin, have recently been reported to exacerbate psoriasis, although additional well-controlled studies are still needed. Drugs used for treatment of psoriasis will sometimes cause a flare because of irritation, phototoxicity, or hypersensitivity reaction resulting in a Koebner phenomenon. Because psoriasis is a very complex disease and its activity is often unpredictable, clinical studies on adverse drug effects on psoriasis have been difficult to conduct. This review evaluates clinical, histologic, and biochemical evidence in the literature for drug-associated onset or exacerbation of psoriasis.