Drug delivery and formulations for the topical treatment of psoriasis.
BACKGROUND
Psoriasis is one of the most common human skin diseases. It is characterised by excessive growth and aberrant differentiation of corneocytes, but is fully reversible with appropriate therapy.


OBJECTIVE
There are many drug therapies for psoriasis via the topical delivery route. This review describes the topically applied drugs used to treat psoriasis.


METHODS
Formulations to carry or encapsulate these drugs are introduced in this review. Enhancing approaches such as liposome inclusion, iontophoresis and laser are also discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
This review summarises developments in the design of formulations in the area of topical drug delivery for treating psoriasis.
Su
Yu-Han
YH
Chang Gung University, Pharmaceutics Laboratory, Graduate Institute of Natural Products, 259 Wen-Hwa 1st Road, Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
Fang
Jia-You
JY
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007478:Iontophoresis; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008081:Liposomes; D010789:Phototherapy; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D008081:Liposomes