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Therapeutic strategies for psoriasis.
D M Ashcroft1, A Li Wan Po, C E Griffiths
1Centre for Evidence-Based Pharmacotherapy, Aston University, Birmingham; Dermatology Centre, University of Manchester, Hope Hospital, Salford, UK.
Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics
|April 20, 2000
Summary
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition impacting 1-2% of the population. Current treatments aim to manage symptoms and improve quality of life, as a cure is not yet available.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, hyperproliferative skin disease affecting 1-2% of the UK and US populations.
- While not life-threatening, psoriasis causes significant patient morbidity and quality of life disruption.
- The condition exhibits considerable variability, with no known cure, necessitating symptom management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current treatment options for psoriasis.
- To highlight the limitations and challenges associated with existing therapies.
- To discuss the potential for future innovative treatments based on advancing etiological understanding.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current psoriasis treatment modalities.
- Analysis of efficacy, adverse effects, and limitations of topical therapies, phototherapy, and systemic agents.
- Exploration of emerging research into psoriasis etiology and pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- Topical therapies often face limitations due to lack of efficacy, adverse effects, and aesthetic concerns.
- Phototherapy and systemic treatments carry risks of toxicity, posing challenges for long-term management.
- Current treatment strategies focus on minimizing disease severity to improve patient quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Existing psoriasis treatments have significant drawbacks, including limited efficacy and potential toxicity.
- Advances in understanding psoriasis pathogenesis suggest a future with more targeted and innovative therapeutic approaches.
- Further research is crucial for developing novel treatments that effectively manage psoriasis without compromising patient safety or quality of life.