A 35-year-old woman with moderate psoriasis presents with scalp, facial, and body plaque lesions. What topical steroid do you prescribe?

Prescribe more than one topical steroid for this patient. A high-potency topical steroid lotion or solution would be recommended for the scalp, a low-potency cream for the face, and a high- or superpotency ointment for the trunk and extremities. When the psoriasis improves, the steroid can be downgraded to a lower-potency product or fewer applications. Topical steroid holidays or alternate treatments (i.e., anthralin, tar, vitamin D analog, phototherapy, methotrexate, biologics) should be considered for difficult chronic cases.