Dermatology and Skin Care Sciences

Psoriasis: Current Therapies and Future Prospects

Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune skin condition, affects millions worldwide, causing discomfort and impacting the quality of life for those living with it. Current therapies have come a long way in managing the symptoms and offering relief to patients. These include topical treatments, phototherapy, systemic medications, and biologic agents. Topical treatments like corticosteroids, vitamin D analogy, and calcineurin inhibitors effectively manage mild to moderate psoriasis. Phototherapy, using UVB or PUVA, can provide substantial improvement by targeting skin inflammation. For moderate to severe cases, systemic medications like methotrexate, cyclosporine, and acitretin have been beneficial. However, the advent of biologic therapies has revolutionized psoriasis treatment. Biologics, such as TNF-alpha inhibitors and IL-17 inhibitors, specifically target the immune response involved in psoriasis, offering remarkable results with fewer side effects. Future prospects for psoriasis treatment are promising. Ongoing research explores advanced biologics, personalized medicine approaches, and potential gene therapies. With continued innovation, the goal is to provide even more effective, safe, and accessible therapies for individuals living with psoriasis, ultimately improving their skin health and overall well-being.