Traditional Drugs for Psoriasis: Historical Evolution and Mechanisms of Action from Arsenic to Modern Therapies

Abstract

The study aims to review the historical development of traditional medicines used in the treatment of psoriasis from the nineteenth century to modern treatments, analyzing their mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy, and highlighting their role in paving the way for biological and targeted therapies. The study relied on an analytical review of the scientific literature and medical reports related to the use of traditional medicines in the treatment of psoriasis, including topical and systemic treatments and phototherapy, comparing their efficacy and side effects. The results showed that arsenic, coal tar, salicylic acid, detranol, fumarate, calcipotriol, retinoids, glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, methotrexate, and phototherapy constituted key pillars in disease control. Although some of these treatments are limited due to toxicity or side effects, they have contributed to improving patients' quality of life and laid the foundation for the development of biological therapies. Traditional medicines have played a pivotal role in the history of psoriasis treatment, providing relatively effective solutions despite their limitations. The study emphasizes the importance of using these drugs according to precise protocols and under medical supervision, and the need to integrate them with modern treatments to achieve maximum effectiveness and safety, especially in environments with limited resources.