Psoriasis: Solutions That Change Patients' Lives

An auto-inflammatory disease

Psoriasis affects 2-3% of the population. Red plaques covered with silvery scales, often on elbows, knees, scalp, lower back. Joint involvement (psoriatic arthritis) occurs in 20-30% of patients.

Solutions according to severity

Mild form: topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs (calcipotriol), keratolytics (salicylic acid), daily emollients.

Moderate form: narrow-band UVB phototherapy, 2-3 sessions per week for 8-12 weeks.

Severe form: methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin. Biologics have revolutionized management:

• Anti-TNFα: adalimumab, etanercept
• Anti-IL-17: secukinumab, ixekizumab
• Anti-IL-23: guselkumab, risankizumab

These treatments achieve complete clearance in over 70% of patients.

Lifestyle

Smoking cessation, alcohol limitation, weight loss, stress management. Psoriasis is associated with an increased cardiovascular and metabolic risk that should be screened for.