Salicylic acid and ceramides use softens plaque and improves steroid absorption in psoriasis patients

Leon Kircik, MD, said that in his recent study there exists a knowledge gap surrounding the use of skin care to improve the skin barrier among psoriasis patients.

Dr Andrew F. Alexis MD MPH FAAD said psoriasis, a chronic immune-mediated dermatologic disorder, is associated with multisystemic comorbidities and involves treatment with various prescription therapies. Previous research has noted epidermal barrier abnormalities in such lesions, and presently, data are scarce regarding skin barrier function in such patients.

The present review highlighted the potential role of gentle cleansers and moisturizers in managing psoriasis and promoting a healthy skin barrier.

The authors searched the literature and discussed this. The critical points of their study and discussion are summarised below:

• In a workshop, the authors provided feedback on 15 draft statements created before the meeting and agreed upon five statements.
• The guidelines rarely mention skincare for psoriasis patients, demonstrating a knowledge gap.
• Skincare manages psoriasis as an adjuvant treatment of acute psoriasis and also aids in the maintenance treatment of healing skin during asymptomatic periods.
• Applying topical moisturizers containing salicylic acid or ceramides softened plaques and enhanced the absorption of topical treatments like corticosteroids.
• Ceramide-containing skincare improves skin appearance and provides relief.

They said that the authors agreed that skincare and barrier restoration in treating psoriasis is a relatively new concept for most dermatologists. There is a need to develop a more robust body of evidence on skincare for psoriasis to influence clinical practice meaningfully.

Further reading:

https://jddonline.com/articles/psoriasis-and-skin-barrier-dysfunction-the-role-of-gentle-cleansers-and-moisturizers-in-treating-psoriasis-S1545961623P0773X/