Clear skin can reduce psoriasis-related quality of life issues in patients, suggests study

A history of biologic treatment failure was observed as a significant predictor of poorer quality of life outcomes. The individuals who underwent previous treatment failures were considerably less likely to report an absence of psoriasis-related impacts on their quality of life. Even among patients who achieved clear skin, prior treatment failures cast a shadow on their quality of life. The participants with a history of biologic treatment failure reported significantly lower quality of life scores when compared to their counterparts who did not experience treatment failure.

These findings underline the importance of selecting the most effective biologic treatment upfront rather than adopting a "step-up" approach, which could potentially lead to treatment failures and subsequent negative impacts on the quality of life of the patients. The study emphasizes the need for a precise approach in psoriasis treatment. While achieving clear skin remains a primary goal, this study highlights the importance of considering the previous treatment experiences of patients and the potential impact on their overall well-being. Overall, the implications are significant by advocating for personalized treatment strategies that prioritize both clinical outcomes and the quality of life of the patients.

Study:

Song, W. J., & Yoon, H. (2024). Impact of residual skin lesions and previous biologic treatment failure on patient‐reported outcomes in patients with psoriasis receiving biologic treatment. In The Journal of Dermatology. Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1111/1346-8138.17249