How does slowing skin cell growth via the use of vitamin D analogues and anthralin (Dritho-Scalp) help curb psoriasis?

Doctor's Answers 1

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated chronic skin disease, which presents as thick red skin patches with silvery scales. In psoriasis, the skin cells multiply at an accelerated rate, leading to the thickening of the skin and scaling.

This disease is caused by the immune system which mistakenly attacks the healthy skin cells. If a patient falls sick or is infected, their immune system will cause an overdrive to fight the infection. This will start another psoriasis flare-up.

Vitamin D analogues like calcipotriol and anthralin, which both regulate the cell proliferation and slows down the rate of the skin growth. By reducing the rate of cell growth, the psoriasis lesions will become less flaky and thick, reversing the skin changes in psoriasis.

Similar Questions

Why does haemorrhoids cause anal itching, and how can I treat it?

An itch due to haemorrhoids responds well to topical cream application. Cream is usually prescribed by a doctor after assessment of a hemorrhoid condition.

Photo of Dr Andrea Rajnakova

Answered By

Dr Andrea Rajnakova

Gastroenterologist

Does facial laser treatment trigger psoriasis?

Thanks for the question. If you have a diagnosis of psoriasis, there is a possibility that certain treatments can aggravate it. With psoriasis, damage or injury to the skin can cause psoriasis to develop at the site of the injury. This is know as the Koebner phenomenon. Therefore, you do have to take care that the treatment is gentle and does not cause any trauma or damage to the skin. Likewise, for eczema, the skin is sensitive and more prone to external insults, so you should avoid treatment if the facial skin is still red or irritated as this can be more easily aggravate by treatment.

Photo of Dr Colin Theng

Answered By

Dr Colin Theng

Dermatologist

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox