Methotrexate: practical use in dermatology

G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2016 Oct;151(5):535-43. Epub 2016 Jan 13.

Abstract

Methotrexate (MTX) is an anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and immunosuppressant drug largely used worldwide with a well-known efficacy, and it is considered a safe and easy to use agent. MTX was first used in psoriasis, but it represents an effective and safe therapeutic option in a wide range of skin diseases. Despite its common employ, it is still the subject of numerous researches, with the purpose to develop new strategies to increase the manageability and evaluate the efficacy of the treatment, alone and in association with other therapies. Starting up from the official guidelines, we have reviewed the scientific literature, along with our clinical experience, in order to update the uses of MTX in dermatology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Dermatologic Agents / adverse effects
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Dermatology
  • Humans
  • Methotrexate / adverse effects
  • Methotrexate / therapeutic use*
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy
  • Psoriasis / pathology
  • Skin Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Skin Diseases / pathology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Methotrexate