Antibiotics
Although antibiotics are sometimes prescribed for psoriasis there is mixed evidence as to whether antibiotics really make a difference to treating the condition. It is often normal for antibiotics to be prescribed when an infection from bacteria has triggered the outbreak of psoriasis: the antibiotics are used to treat the infection as opposed to the psoriasis. However some studies show that antibiotics probably should be part of the treatment when psoriasis plaques start to spread rapidly.
An outbreak of guttate psoriasis, which usually affects children, can be triggered by a throat infection such as strep throat causing the appearance of small red spots over the trunk and limbs, which last for a few weeks and then fade. However strep throat will clear up in three to seven days with or without treatment.
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Antibiotics are only effective if they are administered within 48 to 72 hours after symptoms begin. Antibiotics such as penicillin, cephalexin or amoxicillin may be used to treat the strep throat infection because they can kill the bacteria, shorten the contagious period, prevent rare complications, stop the infection from causing the immune system to attack itself which in turn can cause rheumatic fever, relieve discomfort and speed healing. Treatment such as this will control the infection and prevent it from spreading. Antibiotics will not clear-up sore throats caused by viral infections ie colds/allergies as they are only effective for bacterial infections. |
Most outbreaks of psoriasis are due to either genetic or environmental causes rather than infections (these are quite rare).
Some children who have an episode of guttate psoriasis will go on to develop chronic plaque psoriasis in later years.
The evidence to prove that antibiotics are useful in treating psoriasis is very limited and can interfere with other psoriasis treatments.There are a number of alternative treatments which are effective such as topical lotions, ointments, steroids, biologic medications, light therapy as well as changing your diet, the use of herbal supplements, sea salts, and acupuncture.
Information written by the talkhealth medical panel
Last Reviewed: 31 March 2011
Next Review Date: 31 March 2013
