Long-term management of scalp psoriasis: perspectives from the international psoriasis council

Abstract

The scalp is a well-known predilection site for psoriasis. Epidemiological data on the various manifestations of scalp psoriasis as well as on its therapeutic management are sparse. The understanding of the natural course of scalp psoriasis is relevant for its therapeutic management. In over 25% of patients, scalp psoriasis is the first signal of the psoriatic condition. Nevertheless, few of the therapies currently used for the treatment of scalp psoriasis have been evaluated for efficacy in the setting of well-designed, well-controlled clinical studies. The lack of comparative data impedes the interpretation of the results from studies of scalp psoriasis. Long-term studies of the efficacy and safety of scalp treatments are lacking. Moreover, clinical studies generally do not incorporate quality of life impact or mechanisms to enhance adherence thus hindering the optimal management of the patient over the long-term. Consequently, this report will evaluate the available data and the associated factors to be considered in the development of a treatment paradigm for the long-term management of the scalp psoriasis patient.

Key words::

• quality of life
• adherence
• topical
• systemic

Acknowledgement

This manuscript was supported by the International Psoriasis Council.

Declarations of interest: K. Kragballe has served as a consultant or speaker, or received grant support from Abbott Laboratories, Basilea, Celgene, Janssen-Cilag, Leo Pharma, Merck-Sharp & Dome, Novartis, Novo-Nordisk and Pfizer. K. Kragballe is a member of IPC. A. Menter has served as a consultant, investigator, speaker or advisory board member for Abbott Laboratories, Allergan, Amgen, Astellas, Asubio, Celgene, Centocor, DUSA, Eli Lilly, Galderma, Genentech, Novartis, Novo-Nordisk, Pfizer, Promius, Stiefel, Syntrix Biosystems, Warner Chilcott and Wyeth. A. Menter is also a founding board member of IPC. M. Lebwohl has donated honoraria from the following entities directly to charity: Actelion; Electro-Optical, Sciences; Galderma Laboratories; Graceway; Leo Pharma; PharmaDerm; Taro. M. Lebwohl is a member of IPC. P.W. Tebbey has served as a consultant or employee for the following; International Psoriasis Council, Baxter Healthcare, Incyte Corp., Johnson and Johnson, Wyeth. P.C.M. van de Kerkhof has served as a consultant or speaker, or received grant support from Abbott Laboratories, Allmiral, Barrier Pharmaceutics, Celgene, Centocor Inc., Leo Pharma, Merck Serono, ScheringPlough, and Wyeth. P.C.M. van de Kerkhof is also a founding board member and President of IPC.