Infliximab for Plaque Psoriasis

 Infliximab (Remicade^®) has been approved for the treatment of a number of inflammatory conditions affecting the joints, skin, or digestive system. For example, this medication can help reduce the symptoms of:

 

Infliximab has been shown to be effective for plaque psoriasis in adults with chronic cases of the disease. Psoriasis causes problems because the immune system attacks the skin and joints. Symptoms include thick, scaly patches (plaques) on the skin, especially near the elbows and knees. Infliximab works to treat this condition by keeping the immune system from attacking the body.

 

In one study, up to 88 percent of those taking infliximab showed a large improvement in their psoriasis symptoms, compared to just 6 percent of those not taking the drug. It's important to keep in mind that the drug may improve a person's symptoms, but it is not a cure for psoriasis.