Key Research Findings

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that can be treated effectively with a variety of therapies, including topical treatments, phototherapy, and systemic medications. 84 92 121 144 104 42 76

Secukinumab, a human interleukin-17A antagonist, has been shown to improve patient-reported psoriasis symptoms such as itching, pain, and scaling. 84 Secukinumab is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. 84

Long-pulsed Nd-YAG laser therapy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of nail psoriasis, a condition that is often difficult to treat with topical medications. 121

Topical therapies are often used to treat psoriasis. 144 83 A herbal oil cream has shown promise in treating mild to moderate psoriasis, with potential benefits in skin penetration, radical protection, and structural changes compared to topical calcipotriol. 144 However, it is important to note that this study was relatively small and further research is needed to confirm these findings. 144

Topical treatments are often used in conjunction with biologic therapies. 83 The factors influencing the use of topical agents in combination with biologic therapies for the treatment of plaque psoriasis are not fully understood. 83

The treatment of psoriasis has evolved over the past few years with the introduction of immunobiologic and small molecule inhibitor medications. 92 Understanding the comparative efficacies of these medications is important for doctors to choose the most appropriate treatment for patients. 92

Treatment Summary

Treatment options for psoriasis include biologic therapies, small molecule inhibitors, phototherapy, and topical treatments. 92 104 125 112 159

Biologic therapies, such as secukinumab, adalimumab, etanercept, and ustekinumab, have shown promising results in treating psoriasis. 92 104 125 112 159 These medications target specific parts of the immune system that are involved in the development of psoriasis. 92 104 125 112 159

Small molecule inhibitors, such as tofacitinib, are another class of medications that can be used to treat psoriasis. 92 These medications work by blocking the activity of certain enzymes that are involved in the inflammatory process. 92 91

Phototherapy, such as narrow-band UVB phototherapy, can be effective in treating psoriasis. 76 This treatment involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light, which helps to reduce inflammation and slow the growth of skin cells. 76

Topical treatments, such as corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, tacrolimus, pimecrolimus, and dithranol, can also be effective in treating psoriasis. 29 41 107 19 42 76 146 These medications are applied directly to the skin to reduce inflammation and slow the growth of skin cells. 29 41 107 19 42 76 146

Treatment may involve a combination of different therapies depending on the individual patient’s needs. 83 108

Benefits and Risks

Benefits Summary

Treatment of psoriasis can improve skin symptoms and quality of life. 84 92 104 125 98 Treatment can also help prevent the development of complications such as psoriatic arthritis. 64 79 51

Risks Summary

Treatment for psoriasis can have side effects. 63 104 79 142 Some treatments can increase the risk of infections. 63 61 104 142 Other side effects may include liver or kidney problems. 104 103 131 Some treatments may not be safe for use during pregnancy. 104 It’s important to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor before starting any new medication. 108

Comparison Across Studies

Commonalities

Many studies have shown that new treatments such as biologics and small molecule inhibitors are effective in treating psoriasis. 92 104 Additionally, phototherapy and topical treatments have been shown to be effective. 42 76

Differences

Studies vary in the treatments they show to be effective, the rate of side effects, and other results. 92 104 125 141 159 Differences in patients’ age, symptoms, and treatment duration can also influence the results. 63 104 141 108 It’s important to not blindly rely on study results and instead discuss treatment options with your doctor to choose what is right for you. 123 87

Consistency and Contradictions of Results

Some psoriasis treatment research results are consistent while others contradict each other. 92 104 76 This could be due to differences in the patients studied or the research methods used. 63 104 141 108 Therefore, it is important to not blindly rely on study results and instead discuss treatment options with your doctor to choose what is right for you. 123 87

Considerations for Real-World Application

It’s not possible to apply psoriasis treatment research findings directly to real life. 92 104 76 Each person’s symptoms, severity, and lifestyle are unique. 63 104 141 108 Use research findings as a guide, but discuss treatment options with your doctor to choose what’s right for you. 123 87

Limitations of Current Research

Many aspects of psoriasis treatment remain unknown. 92 104 76 For instance, the exact mechanisms of psoriasis development and the long-term effects of treatments are not fully understood. 63 104 141 108 More research is needed to develop more effective treatments and improve treatment outcomes. 123 87

Future Research Directions

Future research on psoriasis treatments should focus on the following areas: 92 104 76

• Research that helps us understand the mechanisms of psoriasis development to develop more effective treatments.
• Research on the long-term effectiveness and safety of treatments.
• Research on how to improve patients’ quality of life.

Addressing these issues will contribute to the development of new treatments and improvements in treatment outcomes. 63 104 141 108

Conclusion

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition, but with the right treatment, you can improve your symptoms and quality of life. 84 92 104 125 98 It’s important to discuss treatment options with your doctor and choose what is right for you. 123 87

If you are struggling with psoriasis, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor. 108

Treatment List

Biologic Therapies, Small Molecule Inhibitors, Phototherapy, Topical Treatments