Is injecting corticosteroids effective for treating psoriasis?

Jul 03, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My husband has psoriasis, and his colleague suggested treating it with injection therapy. Is injection therapy effective for psoriasis?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Corticosteroid injections, commonly known as "block injections," are generally not considered a recommended treatment for psoriasis. These injections are primarily used to relieve pain in inflammatory conditions such as joint pain, achieving localized analgesic, vasoconstrictive, and anti-inflammatory effects through the administration of corticosteroids and anesthetics. For skin conditions like psoriasis, the therapeutic effects of block injections are usually insignificant and associated with several potential issues. The effects of block injections on psoriasis are often temporary; once treatment stops, psoriasis may recur easily, sometimes accompanied by severe "rebound phenomena" and "hormone dependency," causing the condition to flare up repeatedly and gradually worsen. Block injections may also lead to a range of side effects, such as reduced resistance to infections, delayed wound healing, and even potentially inducing health problems like hypertension and osteoporosis. Therefore, patients with psoriasis should avoid relying on block injections for treatment and instead seek assistance from qualified healthcare professionals.