New and Emerging Topical Therapies for Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis

Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis represent two of the most common skin conditions seen by both primary care and specialist dermatology. The prevalence of psoriasis in North America is 2 to 4 percent, and it is estimated to cost more than $3 billion per year to treat this condition. Atopic dermatitis has an estimated 15 to 30 percent lifetime prevalence in children and an 8 to 10 percent lifetime prevalence in adults. Both diseases have a significant impact on patient quality of life, as well as associated psychological, social, and economic consequences. While systemic therapies are available for both, the majority of patients with each condition are treated with topical therapies alone, with varying degrees of efficacy and patient satisfaction. As such, there is both need and an incentive to develop new treatments for these two conditions. In this paper, we review new and emerging topical therapies for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.