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Background: Chronic inflammatory skin diseases are of great social and medical importance and require effective drug therapy. Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors represent a possible therapeutic option by regulating inflammatory processes. PDEs cause the release of proinflammatory cytokines by interfering with signaling pathways. The PDE4 inhibitors apremilast (treatment of psoriasis and Behçet's disease), roflumilast (treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and crisaborole (treatment of atopic dermatitis) are currently approved in Europe., Psoriasis: Apremilast is used for second-line treatment of plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and has a favorable side effect profile. Topical PDE4 inhibitors are currently being researched and have not yet been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA)., Atopic Dermatitis: The topical PDE4 inhibitor crisaborole was approved by the EMA in 2020 as a topical treatment alternative to glucocorticoids and calcineurin inhibitors. Although the substance has shown good tolerability in studies and also alleviates the accompanying itching, it did not find its way onto the German market. BEHçET'S DISEASE: Apremilast is approved for the treatment of Behçet's disease in adults with refractory, severe oral ulcers., Outlook: Case studies have also demonstrated the efficacy of systemic PDE4 inhibition in other skin diseases (including blistering autoimmune dermatoses, lichen planus, and acantholytic genodermatoses). The substances are also being researched and used to treat extracutaneous inflammatory diseases., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Given the ever-increasing number of approved therapies for the treatment of psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), head-to-head (H2H) comparative studies are essential. These are aimed primarily at a comparative analysis of treatment effectiveness. In both PsO and PsA, biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARD) have been shown to be superior to conventional therapies in H2H studies. In PsO interleukin 17 (IL-17) and IL-23 inhibitors proved superiority compared to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors (etanercept and adalimumab) in several studies. Ustekinumab was more effective than etanercept, but less effective than IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors. Only a few H2H studies have been published on the treatment of PsA. In the Spirit H2H study ixekizumab was superior to adalimumab using a combined endpoint of arthritis and psoriasis response (ACR-50 and PASI-100). When looking at arthritic symptoms only (ACR-20), secukinumab was not significantly superior to adalimumab in the EXCEED study but was superior in terms of the effect on skin involvement (PASI90). Other H2H studies focused on the treatment of enthesitis (ECLIPSA study), the efficacy of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibition (SELECT-PSA-1) or the additional administration of methotrexate to bDMARD treatment (MUST study). The H2H data have been incorporated into the treatment guidelines and have led to IL-17 and IL-23 inhibition being preferred over TNF inhibition in cases of relevant skin involvement in PsA., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) represent an immunomodulatory targeted therapy in various dermatoses. Throughout the past few years, JAKi have been approved for atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis vulgaris (PSO), alopecia areata (AA), and vitiligo. Further indications are currently under investigation. In this article the various systenic and topical JAKi used in dermatology are being presented regarding their efficacy and safety profile. A specific focus will be set on handling with safety issues including screening and control measures during treatment with JAKi. In addition, future use of JAKi in various dermatological diseases for which nowadays only insufficient therapy options are available is being discussed., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Introduction: A number of new, highly effective biologic drugs for psoriasis have been approved over the past few decades, which raises the question whether psoriasis is still a disease that requires inpatient treatment., Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of inpatient data between 2010 and 2019 (the last 10 years prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19] pandemic) from three German dermatology departments at university hospitals (Aachen, Bonn, and Essen). The data collected included age, gender, the primary admission diagnosis, length of stay (LOS), and number of all comorbidities recorded during hospitalization., Results: A total of 59,500 patients were admitted to the three dermatological departments in the defined 10-year period. Of these patients, psoriasis (L40.-) was the main diagnosis for 4322 (7.3%). An almost continuous increase was observed in all inpatient dermatological cases, which was as high as 27% in 2016 compared to 2010. For psoriasis patients, the most substantial increase in the number of admissions was reached in 2016 compared to 2010 and was as high as 45%. While there was a statistically significant reduction of the mean LOS for all dermatological inpatient cases from 6.4 ± 6.6 days in 2010 to 5.1 ± 4.6 days in 2019 (p < 0.001), the decrease in 2019 compared to 2010 (from 12.2 ± 5.5 to 8.9 ± 3.3 days) was significantly greater for the inpatient psoriasis patients compared to the inpatient population overall (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Our data show a stable need for inpatient psoriasis facilities in Germany. Further analysis of hospital admissions after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic is needed to understand the ongoing influence of modern systemic treatment options on inpatient psoriasis care in Germany., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Guidelines are systematically developed decision-making aids to ensure appropriate clinical care for specific medical conditions. In Germany, dermatological guidelines are developed under the aegis of the German Dermatological Society (DDG) and the Professional Association of German Dermatologists (BVDD), while European and international guidelines are published by organisations such as the European Centre for Guidelines Development (EuroGuiDerm), founded by the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) in cooperation with the Division of Evidence-Based Medicine at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin. In 2021 and 2022, the German guidelines were revised or developed on topics such as the management of anticoagulation during dermatological procedures, chronic pruritus, contact dermatitis, laser therapy of the skin, psoriasis vulgaris, rosacea, extracorporeal photopheresis, onychomycosis, mucous membrane pemphigoid and prevention of skin cancer. A selection of the most important recommendations and innovations in the guidelines is summarized here., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is often a life-threatening disease which, in contrast to psoriasis vulgaris, is associated with the formation of sterile pustules on the skin. Until recently, there was no approved treatment in Europe, so that drugs used for psoriasis vulgaris were also frequently used for GPP. However, new studies showed that, in GPP, mutation of the interleukin-36 receptor often leads to increased inflammation and corresponding disease activity. We report a case of GPP with complete remission after two doses of spesolimab, a new interleukin-36 receptor antibody., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

We present a clinical case of a patient with acutely exacerbated erythrodermic psoriasis vulgaris after symptomatic infection with SARS-CoV‑2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). Various factors are already known that can lead to an exacerbation of psoriasis, such as drugs or infections with, for example, streptococcus. An association between psoriasis and an infection with SARS-CoV‑2 has been described so far in individual case reports, in which, however, drug treatment with for example hydroxychloroquine, a known trigger of psoriasis, often took place. Later cases of exacerbation of psoriasis, partly as pustular psoriasis have been published also without drug induction. However we present for the first time a case of erythrodermic psoriasis triggered by COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) without an obvious drug trigger., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Background: Psoriasis (Pso) and atopic dermatitis (AD) are chronic skin diseases that result in significant physical and psychological impairment, financial burden, and loss of quality of life. According to previous data, there are regional differences in healthcare., Objectives: The aim was to analyse the epidemiology as well as the treatment of insured people with Pso and AD in Germany in a regional comparison., Methods: Data of the insurance company Techniker Krankenkasse for the year 2019 regarding treatment prevalences as well as drug prescriptions on the regional level for all physicians were examined., Results: In 2019 the overall prevalence of Pso was 2.5% (about 2 million insured people in Germany) and AD was 4.2% (about 3.6 million insured people). In Pso, new guideline-compliant drugs were frequently utilised, yet systemic glucocorticosteroids (GCS) were still disproportionally prescribed. Regionally, there were pronounced disparities with higher prescription rates of the new drugs in the north and east. Insured people with AD most frequently received topical GCS (approx. 88%), of which most were class III (66%), and significantly less frequently calcineurin inhibitors (< 10%), which also conform to guidelines. Systemically, GCS were by far most commonly used (about 25% of all insured people with drug prescriptions). Dupilumab, the only long-term drug approved in 2019, was very rarely prescribed, accounting for less than 1%. Again, large regional differences similar to Pso were found., Conclusion: Pso and AD show relevant disparities and gaps in drug care in the regional comparison despite uniform national guidelines and patient needs. The barriers to appropriate modern pharmaceuticals need to be clarified and mitigated., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Background: Psoriatic arthritis is the most important "comorbidity" of psoriasis, which impacts the work of dermatologists in many ways., Objective: The relevance of joint involvement in psoriasis patients for the practicing dermatologist is considered., Methods: An analysis of publications listed in PubMed® (Bethesda, MD, USA) on the topic of psoriatic arthritis in English, German, or French was carried out., Results: Psoriatic arthritis affects between 6 and 42% of psoriasis patients, often occurring several years after the onset of psoriasis of the skin. Questionnaires represent validated tools to screen for psoriatic arthritis. Timely initiation of treatment using disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) results in particularly good long-term outcomes, as structural joint damage and functional loss can be prevented. To achieve this goal, increasing numbers of systemic treatment methods are becoming available, which are also approved for the treatment of psoriasis., Conclusion: In recent years it has become increasingly less complicated to effectively and safely treat all clinical facets of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis within the framework of monotherapy. Dermatologists are important sentinels when it comes to early diagnosis, which in turn is decisive for the long-term prognosis. The presence and extent of psoriatic arthritis are key criteria in the therapeutic decision-making of dermatologists., (© 2021. Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Background: Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis can be treated effectively with immunomodulating biologicals such as the interleukin-17A inhibitor secukinumab. In practice, however, questions often arise as to how to proceed in special situations, such as infections, comorbidity, pregnancy, or surgery., Objectives: To address frequent questions about the treatment of plaque psoriasis with secukinumab in a consensus document of German psoriasis experts that supplements current guidelines., Methods: In a virtual expert meeting in May 2020, practical aspects of the treatment of psoriasis were discussed based on the experience of the participants and on current literature. The results of this discussion were summarized in the present consensus document., Results: This article provides practical guidance on case history, documentation of previous therapies, severity of psoriasis, and comorbidities before starting therapy with secukinumab. For patients treated with secukinumab, the course of action in case of vaccinations, chronic or acute infections, surgical interventions, special manifestations of psoriasis, and comorbidities including history of cancer and autoimmune disorders is discussed. Questions regarding family planning and health policy regulations are also addressed., Discussion: The recommendations for the treatment of psoriasis with secukinumab summarized in this consensus document may contribute to achieve optimal therapy for patients and to improve their quality of life., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Generalized pustular psoriasis is a rare, often relapsing and usually severe inflammatory skin disease with concomitant systemic symptoms in many cases. The disease is in part due to mutations in the gene of the interleukin-36 receptor antagonist (IL36RN) explaining the autoinflammatory nature of this condition. Here, we report on a 39-year-old pregnant woman who stopped her medication with secukinumab due to her pregnancy. Subsequently, she suffered from severe exacerbation of her disease and was admitted to our hospital. The patient had a known mutation in the IL36RN (Ser113Leu) gene. At the 33rd week of her pregnancy therapy with certolizumab was initiated and resulted in a rapid remission within a few weeks. After the patient gave birth, remission could be maintained under the given therapy with this biologic., (© 2021. Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Background: Guidelines generally recommend an adjuvant treatment with emollients for patients suffering from psoriasis. However evidence for this purpose is limited., Patients and Methods: We performed a prospective observational study with an emollient containing 10% urea, ceramides, glycerin and glyceryl glucoside in patients suffering from mild to moderate psoriasis. The patients had to be stable for at least 12 weeks on prior antipsoriatic therapy including topical therapy, systemic treatment or phototherapy which was continued during the trial., Results: A 4-week daily application of the emollient resulted in significant improvement regarding quality of life (measured by DLQI, Dermatology Life Quality Index) and clinical outcome (measured by local PASI, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) among the treated patients., Conclusion: The trial results show that a daily adjuvant treatment with emollients can support a basic antipsoriatic therapy both in aspects of clinical efficacy and quality of life in mild to moderate patients suffering from psoriasis., (© 2021. Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

This is a case series of 8 patients with palmoplantar pustulosis. These patients were treated with the phosphodiesterase‑4 inhibitor apremilast at our psoriasis outpatient clinic at the dermatological department of the University Hospital Innsbruck and we compared and documented the clinical response using an Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score over several months. This disease is characterized by its strong negative impact on the quality of life in affected patients, and by its resistance to therapy and its high relapse rate. Therapy options are relatively rare or off label. Apremilast is a safe and effective therapeutic approach in palmoplantar pustulosis.

The recently expanded approval of some TNF‑α blockers for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis in pregnancy has facilitated therapy of this group of patients with approved drugs. To date, there are no evidence-based structured therapy recommendations for these psoriasis patients with the result that the uncertainties of the treating physicians usually lead to individual decisions. On the basis of our clinical experience and the currently valid approval for systemic therapeutics, we have developed a therapy algorithm that enables an interdisciplinary, structured approach to counseling and supporting pregnant women with psoriasis, which makes decision-making for colleagues in other disciplines, in particular gynecology, transparent.

We report on a patient with severe psoriasis vulgaris who developed drug-induced interstitial lung disease (DILD) during treatment with ustekinumab. The diagnosis was based on coincidence with start of therapy, high-resolution computer tomography of the thorax and bronchoalveolar lavage. After discontinuation of the treatment with ustekinumab the clinical symptoms and the chest scan results improved. This case highlights a possible adverse event of ustekinumab.

Modern dermatotherapy is dominated by the development of various biologicals and small molecules. Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) form a novel class of small molecular synthetic compounds inhibiting the intracellular signal transduction of cytokine receptors. Cytokines are key mediators in the pathophysiology of numerous inflammatory skin diseases. Many cytokines use so-called type I and II cytokine receptors, which associate with the Janus kinases JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 or TYK2. JAKi are under clinical investigation for inflammatory skin disease, specifically in phase 3 trials for psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. Since JAKi are tested in oral as well as in topical formulations, they could become very popular in dermatotherapy. The mechanisms of JAKi, their selectivity, preliminary efficacy data, and their safety profile are discussed in this article.

Coal tar therapy was used for centuries to treat skin disorders characterised by inflammation and skin barrier damage. It has been shown that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is the key target structure for these pharmacological effects of coal tar. Since coal tar has been used less and less because of the carcinogenicity of many ingredients of coal tar, other ligands of AhR were studied. Tapinarof is such a ligand and proved to be a promising new drug to treat psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Since many endogenous and exogenous ligands of AhR are known, it may be that this "tar-smart" product is a first example of a new drug family with which dermatologists can treat skin disorders that are characterized by inflammation and skin barrier damage.

Systemic therapy of pregnant patients with psoriasis requires special attention and has to be adapted to disease activity throughout the pregnancy. With the approval of the first tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors for the treatment of these patients, a new range of options has to be discussed with the women. If the inflammatory presentation of the psoriasis demands systemic therapy, the decision for treatment should be made as early as possible, preferably before the onset of pregnancy.

Apremilast is an oral inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) that is licensed for the second-line treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Data from several phase III clinical trials and real-world studies showed a good benefit-risk profile, with diarrhea and nausea as the most common adverse events. Diarrhea and nausea most frequently occurred during the first month of treatment. In most cases, they were mild or moderate in severity and tended to resolve over time with continued dosing and without intervention. In this review we summarize available data on gastrointestinal side effects of apremilast in patients with psoriasis and psoriasis arthritis and provide practical strategies for managing these symptoms.

Treatment with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors is a well-established therapeutic strategy for various autoimmune diseases. However, little is known about renal complications and possible causality of renal injury due to this treatment. The following case of a patient with psoriasis demonstrates the difficulties in classifying renal complications of anti-TNF-α therapy versus kidney involvement caused by the underlying disease.

Background: The introduction of biologics has revolutionized the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Due to the continuous expansion of biological therapies for psoriasis, it is particularly important to acknowledge efficacy and safety of the compounds not only in clinical trials but also in long-term registry-based observational studies., Aim: Typical side effects and significant risks of antipsoriatic biologic therapies considering psoriatic control groups are presented., Materials and Methods: A selective literature search was conducted in PubMed and long-term safety studies of the psoriasis registries PsoBest, PSOLAR and BADBIR were evaluated., Results and Discussion: To assess the long-term safety of biologics, the evaluation of the course of large patient cohorts in long-term registries is of particular medical importance. Newer biologic drugs seem to exhibit a better safety profile than older ones.

We report about a 52-year-old woman with onset of drug-induced lupus erythematosus (DILE) in sun-exposed areas, under therapy with secukinumab. Topical therapy with a steroid class 3 for 4 weeks showed substantial improvement. The systemic therapy was switched to ustekinumab. DILE is a rare but notable side effect of biologicals in 0.5-1% of the patients and also possible under therapy with IL-17 inhibition. Switch of the biological agent is necessary in most cases.

A 67-year-old man presented with fever, night sweat and abdominal complaints for about 4 weeks. Ultrasound and a computed tomography scan showed distinct ascites as the main finding, presenting as exsudate with predominating lymphoid cells. Because of long-term immunosuppressive therapy with the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitor golimumab for psoriasis, the suspicion for a possible tuberculous peritonitis arose. This was confirmed with an enzyme-linked immunospot assay, a high level of adenosine deaminase in the ascites and a peritoneum which was studded with multiple whitish nodules, corresponding to granulomas with giant cells. With a standard antituberculous regimen the symptoms were quickly relieved and finally complete restitution was achieved.

The treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) necessitates different and highly effective treatment strategies due to the diverse clinical manifestations. Drugs that exhibit efficacy for most of the musculoskeletal (e.g. arthritis, dactylitis, enthesitis and spondyloarthritis) and extra-articular manifestations (e.g. skin and nail lesions) are therefore of special interest. This review presents a selection of drugs for the treatment of PsA, which might be available within the (near) future. Based on an improved understanding of the pathopysiology of psoriasis as well as PsA, novel therapeutic approaches are under development. Results have already been obtained from phase 3 studies for tofacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor as well as for the antibodies brodalumab, bimekizumab and ABT-122 that inhibit the IL17-signaling pathway. The sphingolipid agonist ponesimod and the A3AR agonist CF101 represent "small molecules" similar to the Janus kinase inhibitors that will potentially extend the therapeutic options in the future.

Therapeutic procedures are dictated by burden and duration of disease, previous therapies and comorbidity. Possible triggers are to be taken into consideration and eliminate whenever possible.

Plaque psoriasis is one of the most common skin disorders and has been recognized as a systemic disease for a few years. It,s part of the immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. This is why the management of these patients includes the investigation of possible comorbidity like the metabolic syndrome, depression or psoriatic arthritis.

As quite typical for patients with plaque psoriasis, mainly if they are seriously affected, some of the major problems aside the obvious systemic inflammatory component, are social decline due to loss of work and/or personal problems. With this case presentation we are shedding light on the actual extent of this disease in our society.

Background: Psoriasis is known today as a T‑cell-mediated autoimmunological systemic disease. The chronic inflammatory processes involve neuroimmunological factors that are held responsible not only for various aspects of psychiatric-neurological comorbidities but also for neurosensory problems, primarily itching. Amongst other things, the significance of GABA A receptors are often discussed in this context. The topical use of chloral hydrate in semisolid preparations for antipruritic therapy goes back to Neisser and is currently experiencing a revival in individually manufactured formulations. However, it is currently unknown whether the unwanted side effects that are described for systemic use of chloral hydrate are also relevant for topical application., Objectives: For lack of clinical safety data, preclinical tests for cutaneous cytotoxicity and calculations for systemic bioavailability after topical application have been performed., Conclusion: The present data cannot fully remove safety concerns for topical application of chloral hydrate in the formulation favoured by the NRF (Neues Rezepturformularium)-the so-called 1‑2-3-cream. A twice daily use of the 1‑2-3-cream on a maximum of 10% of the body surface can be regarded as safe. For a better assessment of harmlessness, tests for cutaneous bioavailability (concentration-time profile) on human skin and clinical studies would be necessary.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the epidermis, which can be induced by systemic factors, such as streptococci infections or drugs. In addition, psoriasis can be caused by a local cutaneus trauma, known as Koebner phenomenon. Here, we describe a woman with psoriasis in remission, who developed a new psoriatic lesion due to a cutaneous infection with Borrelia burgdorferi. After causal therapy with doxycycline, the erythema migrans and psoriasis lesions disappeared.

A large proportion of patients with plaque psoriasis suffer from psoriatic lesions of the scalp, nails, and intertrigines. These locations can also be soley or predominantly affected. Scalp psoriasis, nail psoriasis, and inverse psoriasis are often perceived as particularly stigmatizing. Involvement of these parts of the body is associated with an increased risk of psoriatic arthritis. Location-specific features must be considered when choosing treatment. Evidence for topical therapy of scalp psoriasis with steroids and combinations of steroids and vitamin D analogues is high. These agents are regarded as safe and effective treatments of first choice. Efficacy of TNF antagonists and apremilast is well documented for refractory scalp psoriasis. Nail psoriasis often responds insufficiently to topical therapy. Several effective systemic medications including methotrexate and TNF antagonists are available for treatment of severe forms. Controlled trials for treatment of inverse psoriasis are scarce. Topical steroids, vitamin D analogues, dithranol, and off-label calcineurin inhibitors are used in clinical practice. This review provides a survey on the clinical presentation and current evidence for treatment of psoriasis in challenging locations.

Background: Given that there is no standard systemic treatment for children and adolescents with plaque psoriasis, this non-interventional, multicenter, retrospective study collected data on the efficacy and safety of long-term treatment with fumaric acid esters (FAEs) in this particular patient group., Patients and Methods: In patients younger than 18 years of age at the start of FAE treatment, data on efficacy and safety was retrospectively collected for at least 36 months., Results: Data from 127 patients (aged 6-17 years) was collected for treatment durations of up to 60 months. Physician's Global Assessment, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, and Body Surface Area showed marked improvement in the first six months. After 36 months, these parameters had, on average, improved by up to two-thirds of baseline values. Thirty-seven patients experienced at least one adverse event (AE), which was FAE-related in 36 individuals. Three AEs (proteinuria (one case), flushing (two cases)) persisted during the observation period while on treatment. Fifteen AEs led to the discontinuation of therapy; nearly all of these cases were related to gastrointestinal disorders., Conclusions: The KIDS FUTURE study - for the first time - included a larger population of children and adolescents with psoriasis who were treated with FAEs. The data obtained suggests that long-term FAE therapy in this patient group may be effective and safe. The results are currently being verified in an ongoing clinical study., (© 2015 Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft (DDG). Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune skin disease that affects 1-3% of the world's population. Most patients with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis or psoriasis vulgaris, characterized by thickened erythematous scaly plaques and presenting in a variety of forms with distinct characteristics. Psoriasis is associated with a decreased quality of life as well as with severe comorbidities., Objectives: The aim of this spontaneous, retrospective observational clinical study was to evaluate the pharmacological activity of advanced treatment based on the use of UVA-1 laser therapy with or without the co-administration of low dose cytokines [interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10] and anti-IL-1 antibodies in patients affected by psoriasis vulgaris., Results: In this study the efficacy of UVA-1 phototherapy and, in parallel, the decisive (statistically relevant) boosting activity of low-dose cytokines in ameliorating the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score were assessed. These results show the effectiveness of combined use of phototherapy and low-dose cytokines therapy, highlighting the fundamental role of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, anti-IL-1 antibodies) in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris., Conclusion: Further studies are necessary to confirm these preliminary data.

Systemic treatment options for moderate to severe pediatric psoriasis are limited. Due to uncertainties regarding severe adverse events the majority of established systemic therapeutic drugs for adult psoriasis are not administered to children. In 2011 the TNF-α-inhibitor etanercept (Enbrel(®)) was approved as the first biological agent for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in pediatric patients. It is available for children from the age of 6 years and constitutes an effective and safe treatment option during childhood. Our report is based on the successful treatment of three boys with etanercept each at the age of 11 years.

Background: Diseases of the scalp are a severe burden for affected patients because they are often visible, frequently pruritic and hard to treat. Therefore, a proper diagnosis is extremely important., Diagnosis: If the patient presents with erythematous, scaly skin lesions of the scalp, psoriasis has to be differentiated from atopic eczema, seborrheic eczema and contact eczema (allergic or toxic). The inspection of the entire body as well as a detailed history are essential for establishing the diagnosis., Therapy: Topical corticosteroids are the therapeutic agents of choice for all of these scalp diseases. In individual cases immunosuppressive systemic treatments may be required. Azole antimycotics are not only used for seborrheic dermatitis but may also be indicated for treatment of atopic dermatitis or psoriasis of the scalp., Objectives: This review provides an overview of the clinical differences between scalp psoriasis and the various forms of eczema and of their therapeutic options. It also highlights the differential diagnosis between toxic and allergic contact eczema of the scalp.

Psoriasis is a common skin disease, which is associated with multiple extracutaneous manifestations. This article presents a case report of a rare ocular manifestation of psoriasis; psoriasis-associated keratitis. In a 37-year-old man we could show that systemic immunomodulatory therapy led to a rapid improvement of the ocular symptoms.

Background: In Germany there is a lack of robust nationwide data on psoriasis therapy in children., Patients and Methods: Secondary data from the statutory health insurance Gmnder Ersatzkasse (GEK) of the year 2009 were analyzed. Continuously insured children with psoriasis vulgaris were identified by ICD-10 codes (L 40. X). Their treatment was determined on the basis of prescriptions according to ATC code., Results: 1,313 of 293,181 children and adolescents had psoriasis (0.45%). Of these, n = 651 (49.6%) received at least one medication during the observation period. Topical and systemic corticosteroids were most frequently prescribed (70.8% and 4.0% respectively). The relative frequency of prescription of systemic corticosteroids was higher in children treated by pediatricians and family physicians (by a factor of 3 and 5, respectively) than in those treated by dermatologists. Vitamin D analogs were the second most frequently prescribed drugs, used far more often by dermatologists (14.7%) than by general practitioners (1.7%) and pediatricians (0.9%)., Conclusions: Drug supply for children with psoriasis in Germany appears to be inadequate. The consensus guidelines are not sufficiently considered and the use of systemic corticosteroids is still too high, even after adjustment for steroid-dependent indications. The data underline the necessity of guideline-oriented therapy and implementation of current therapeutic evidence in juvenile psoriasis., (© The Authors • Journal compilation © Blackwell Verlag GmbH, Berlin.)

Background: Monotherapy with TNF-α inhibitors does not always produce a sufficient response in psoriasis patients. Combinations of TNF-α antagonists such as adalimumab with systemic antipsoriatic therapies such as methotrexate are not approved for use in psoriasis, and the published data are scarce., Patients and Methods: The charts of 39 psoriasis patients from 6 dermatology departments were reviewed retrospectively. All patients were given adalimumbab with another systemic antipsoriatic drug., Results: Combination therapy with methotrexate was most common (n = 32), followed by acitretin (n = 4) and cyclosporine (n = 3). Combination therapy with methotrexate lasted 10.8 ± 11.2 months (mean), with cyclosporine for 6.8 ± 3.3 months, and with acitretin 12.9 ± 12.4 months. Combinations were effective in the majority of patients: 30/39 (76.9 %) had a good (n = 9) or excellent (n = 21) response. Two patients had a moderate response and 7 patients had a poor response and were switched to another treatment. Overall, safety was very good. Eighteen patients experienced 24 adverse events; none was severe and/or required hospitalization. Of these, 10/24 adverse events were infections, most often infections of the upper respiratory tract (n = 5), bronchitis (n = 2), and influenza (n = 1)., Conclusions: Combinations of adalimumab with traditional systemic antipsoriatic treatments offer a promising method for managing severe or recalcitrant psoriasis. More data are needed to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of these combinations., (© The Authors • Journal compilation © Blackwell Verlag GmbH, Berlin.)

Background: To evaluate health care provision for psoriasis patients, and to better allocate resources, precise knowledge of the health care situation is essential. The goal of this study is to analyze prescription behavior and resource utilization for psoriasis patients in Germany., Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of routinely collected psoriasis data from 2004-2007 from members of a nationwide statutory health insurance company (Gmünder Ersatzkasse). A descriptive analysis was done on physician care, hospitalizations, and medications and related costs., Results: 34,728 of the 913,145 continuously insured patients were diagnosed with psoriasis (one-year prevalence: 2.3-2.5%). At the time of the initial diagnosis, 68% of patients were treated by a dermatologist and 28% by a general practitioner (GP). Over the next 21 months, the proportion of patients seen by a dermatologist decreased to 22% and the proportion seen by a GP increased to around 70%. 15.2% of patients were absent at least once from work. 79.5% received prescriptions with an average cost of € 135 per patient per year. 97.5% of patients received topical therapy; 11% got systemic therapies. Biologics were given to about 0.1% of patients. Significant differences in prescription behavior were seen between regions and physician groups., Conclusion: Psoriasis is an important economic and medical issue. The majority of insured patients take prescription therapies. Dermatologists are most often the first health care provider., (© The Authors • Journal compilation © Blackwell Verlag GmbH, Berlin.)

Background: With a prevalence of 0.71%, psoriasis represents one of the most frequent dermatoses in childhood., Patients and Methods: Eight children with severe psoriasis who failed to respond to other therapy received a weight- adapted treatment with etanercept (0.8 mg/kg body) administered subcutaneously once weekly after latent tuberculosis had been excluded. Follow-up visits were at week 4 and 12, subsequently every 12 weeks., Results: Mean age at the start of treatment was 11.8 (range 7-16), six patients were boys. Within three months, six patients reached Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) reduction of 75%. Two patients stopped use at week 12 because of ineffectiveness. Apart from local side reactions and minor infections, no adverse events were observed., Conclusion: In our case series, etanercept proved to be an efficient drug in juvenile psoriasis without serious adverse events. However, patient registries and further randomized, double-blinded control studies are crucial to evaluate long-term efficacy and safety of etanercept.