Approaching Plaque Psoriasis Treatment in Difficult-to-Treat Areas

This is a video synopsis of a discussion involving April W. Armstrong, MD, MPH, Professor and Chief of Dermatology at UCLA, and Chair Emeritus of the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation. Dr. Armstrong specializes in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Dr. Armstrong discusses treatment options for patients with low body surface area (BSA) involvement but challenging-to-treat areas such as the scalp, face, genitals, intertriginous areas, palms, and soles. While many systemic medications and biologics are approved for moderate-to-severe psoriasis with at least 10% BSA involvement, some payers make exceptions for difficult-to-treat areas with low BSA.

She notes that if payers do not approve biologics for such cases, deucravacitinib, an oral medication, is FDA-approved for patients with psoriasis, regardless of their BSA involvement. Additionally, apremilast, another oral medication, is an option approved for use in patients with plaque psoriasis, irrespective of BSA involvement, if they are deemed suitable candidates for systemic therapy.

Dr. Armstrong emphasizes the importance of considering patient characteristics and treatment preferences when selecting therapies for psoriasis, particularly for those with involvement in challenging areas. This tailored approach ensures patients receive appropriate treatment that addresses both their disease severity and affected body areas, enhancing treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by HCPLive® editorial staff.