Expanding Psoriasis Frontiers: Emerging Treatment Pathways and Advances in Care - Episode 2
Treatment Modalities in Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Panelists discuss how modern topical treatments have evolved beyond traditional corticosteroids to include more effective nonsteroidal options, such as tapinarof and roflumilast, which provide better long-term control and can complement systemic therapies.
Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis benefit from various treatment approaches, including topical therapies, phototherapy, oral medications, and biologic agents. Treatment selection depends on individual patient factors such as disease severity, existing health conditions, lifestyle preferences, and personal treatment goals. Modern psoriasis care emphasizes personalized treatment plans that address each patient’s unique circumstances and priorities.
Recent advances in topical treatments offer patients improved nonsteroidal options beyond traditional corticosteroids. Patients now have access to tapinarof, an RORγ receptor agonist that provides durable remission when clear skin is achieved, and roflumilast, a potent topical PDE4 inhibitor. These newer topical agents offer patients better long-term control with improved safety profiles compared with chronic topical steroid use, which experts describe as “a short-term solution to a long-term problem.”
Patients often require combination therapy approaches, where topical treatments complement systemic therapies for optimal outcomes. Many patients receiving oral or biologic treatments may need additional topical therapy for stubborn areas like the shins or other difficult-to-treat locations. This integrated approach ensures patients achieve comprehensive disease control across all affected body areas, maximizing treatment effectiveness and patient satisfaction with their care outcomes.
