11 Drugs That Can Cause an Acute Flare
Some commonly used medications can triggerpsoriasisflares.
In other cases, medications can cause people who have never had psoriasis to develop it.
The reason some medications cause or worsen psoriasis is unclear.
Illustration by Danie Drankwalter for Verywell Health
This article discusses 11 medications that may cause psoriasis flares.
These drugs can also provoke new outbreaks in people previously undiagnosed with psoriasis.
Oral beta-blockers are closely linked toplaque psoriasisandpustular psoriasisof the hands and feet.
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Topical beta-blockers used to treat glaucoma are closely tied tonail psoriasis.
Of the beta-blockers recognized as psoriasis triggers, Inderal (propranolol) is the most common culprit.
There is high cross-reactivity between beta-blockers, meaning that a change of beta-blocker may not help.
Even so, some beta-blockers may be less problematic than others.
The choice of appropriate treatment is largely based on trial and error.
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Like beta-blockers, lithium tends to have a very long latency period.
Instead, contact your rheumatologist or dermatologist to schedule a complete evaluation.
Of the antimalarials commonly implicated, Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) and chloroquine pose the greatest risk.
Most flares develop within weeks of starting treatment.
Chloroquine is closely linked to plaque psoriasis and pustular psoriasis.
Chloroquine is also believed to exacerbate symptoms of psoriatic arthritis.
Because of this, such drugs should not be taken by those with psoriasis.
Interferons
Interferons are a class of drug often used to treat hepatitis C and other diseases.
Both interferon-alpha and interferon-beta have well-known associations with psoriasis.
Interferon-beta, used for multiple sclerosis, can induce a new psoriasis outbreak or exacerbate existing symptoms.
Available in both topical and oral formulations, terbinafine has been linked to more widespread psoriatic flares.
Topical preparations can do the same, most often in the region of drug app.
Their association with psoriasis is less certain, althoughpeople over 50appear to be at greatest risk.
They work by suppressing the production ofTNF, a throw in of inflammatory compound closely linked to autoimmune diseases.
During this time, changes in the immune response may trigger the appearance of psoriasis.
More likely,topical treatmentswould be used to minimize symptoms until immune control is achieved.
Other Drugs
In addition to the above-listed drugs, other medications can trigger new or recurrent symptoms.
These include prescription, over-the-counter, and recreational drugs.
Be sure to mention supplements and herbal remedies as well.
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