An Overview of Contemporary and Future Therapeutic Strategies for Scalp Psoriasis

Bindu Soni; Riya Shivgotra; Karan Trehan; Aashveen Chhina; Muskaan Saini; Subheet Kumar Jain; Shubham Thakur

doi:10.2174/0113894501292755240304063020

An Overview of Contemporary and Future Therapeutic Strategies for Scalp Psoriasis

Curr Drug Targets. 2024 Mar 15. doi: 10.2174/0113894501292755240304063020. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Bindu Soni¹, Riya Shivgotra¹, Karan Trehan¹, Aashveen Chhina¹, Muskaan Saini¹, Subheet Kumar Jain^{1

2}, Shubham Thakur¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India.
² Centre for Basic and Translational Research in Health Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, India.

PMID: 38500274
DOI: 10.2174/0113894501292755240304063020

Abstract

Scalp psoriasis is a common manifestation of psoriasis that significantly impacts a patient's quality of life. About 80% of cases of psoriasis involve the scalp, making it the most frequently affected area of the body. The treatment of scalp psoriasis is particularly crucial because of its hard-to-treat nature and substantial adverse impacts on overall well-being. Along with the physical symptoms of discomfort and itching, psoriasis, especially when it affects the scalp, can cause severe psychological damage. Treating scalp psoriasis can be challenging due to its location and associated symptoms, such as scaling and pruritus, which is why various drugs have become widely used for refractory cases. Topical treatments like corticosteroids and vitamin D analogs manage scalp psoriasis by reducing inflammation and regulating skin cell growth. Tar-based shampoos, salicylic acid solutions, and moisturizers control scaling. Phototherapy with UVB light reduces inflammation. Severe cases may require systemic medications such as oral retinoids and immunosuppressants. While various therapies are accessible for scalp psoriasis, concerns arise due to their limited advantages and the absence of controlled studies assessing their effectiveness. Considering these challenges, there is a clear demand for innovative approaches to address this condition effectively. Recent advancements in topical therapies, phototherapy, systemic agents, and complementary therapies have shown promising results in managing scalp psoriasis. Also, the advent of biologics, specifically anti-IL-17 and anti-IL-23 drugs for scalp psoriasis, has seen significant improvements. The review highlights the lack of well-tolerated and effective treatments for scalp psoriasis and underscores the importance of further research in this area. The objective of this review is to clarify the different treatment options currently available or being investigated in clinical trials for managing scalp psoriasis.

Keywords: Scalp psoriasis; biologic treatment; phototherapy; quality of life; systemic treatment.; topical treatment.