Psoriasis during pregnancy: characteristics and important management recommendations

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Obstetrics
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Psoriasis management during pregnancy presents unique challenges due to potential risks to the fetus.
• While psoriasis often improves during pregnancy, some patients still require therapeutic intervention.
• Risk-benefit assessment is crucial when selecting treatments for pregnant individuals with psoriasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current treatment options for psoriasis in pregnant women.
• To highlight safety considerations for both mother and fetus.
• To provide guidance on appropriate therapies based on psoriasis severity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies and treatment guidelines for psoriasis in pregnancy.
• Analysis of safety data for various dermatological treatments.
• Categorization of treatments based on localized versus moderate-to-severe disease presentation.

Main Results:

• Topical corticosteroids are the primary choice for localized psoriasis.
• Topical tar products and tazarotene should be avoided due to potential teratogenicity.
• Ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy is recommended for moderate-to-severe psoriasis.
• Biologics are preferred over other systemic agents when systemic therapy is necessary, despite limited safety data.

Conclusions:

• Treatment decisions for psoriasis in pregnancy must prioritize maternal and fetal safety.
• Current evidence supports topical corticosteroids and UVB phototherapy as relatively safe options.
• Further research is needed to establish comprehensive safety profiles for all psoriasis medications during pregnancy.