Antimetabolites

Methotrexate, first used for psoriasis in 1958, is the antimetabolite most often prescribed by dermatologists for this disease. Double-blind, controlled studies have confirmed that methotrexate is superior to placebo in improving skin manifestations and joint symptoms in psoriatic patients. A good to excellent response (50% to 100% clearing of psoriasis) occurred in 70% of patients with severe disease treated with a single weekly oral dose of methotrexate.