ABSTRACT
Many years have elapsed since dermatologic therapy was mainly based on topical paintings with esoteric preparations. The first step in changing therapeutic attitudes was the large use of topical steroids (which are discussed in another section of this book). Nowadays dermatologists frequently prescribe systemic treatments in many dermatologic disorders. Some examples are short-term use of antiinfectious agents (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal) in the management of skin infections, long-term use of antibacterial agents in the treatment of acne, and use of systemic steroids and immunosuppressive agents in the management of autoimmune blistering disorders. None of these treatments are specific to dermatology and will not be discussed here. In this chapter we will focus on those treatment that are more specific to skin diseases, including antimalarials, dapsone, thalidomide, and drugs used in the management of psoriasis: oral retinoids, methotrexate and cyclosporine.
