PLAQUE psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by impaired epidermal barrier function, contributing to symptoms such as scaling, itching, and dryness. While medical treatments remain the cornerstone of care, skincare is increasingly being recognised as a valuable adjunct to therapy. A recent multicentre study has reinforced the role of a gentle skincare routine in improving both clinical symptoms and quality of life in individuals with plaque psoriasis. Notably, participants saw a reduction in disease impact from a moderate to a small effect on daily life within just 8 weeks.
The study enrolled 46 adults with plaque psoriasis and evaluated the effects of a skincare regimen comprising a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser, and an optional moisturiser with SPF 35. All participants continued with their prescribed medical therapies. The trial, conducted over 8 weeks, was blinded and multicentre in design. Investigators assessed outcomes through clinical grading tools, body surface area (BSA) involvement, target lesion severity score (TLSS), and physician global assessment (PGA), alongside instrumental measurements of skin hydration and texture. Participant-reported outcomes included tolerability, satisfaction, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).
Significant improvements were recorded across all primary clinical endpoints by week 8. Mean BSA reduced from 9.3% to 5.1% (p<0.05), TLSS dropped from 10.9 to 3.5 (p<0.05), and PGA scores improved from 2.7 to 1.4 (p<0.05). Instrumental assessments confirmed reduced skin scaling and improved smoothness (p<0.05 at all time points vs baseline). Quality of life scores also improved, with DLQI decreasing from 9.2 (moderate effect) to 2.9 (small effect, p<0.05). Subjects reported reductions in dryness, itching, and stinging from the outset. Only four adverse events were noted, itching and burning/stinging, each resolving by the end of the study.
This study reinforces the clinical value of integrating skincare into psoriasis management. Improvements in both objective measures and patient-reported outcomes suggest that a simple, gentle skincare regimen can enhance therapeutic efficacy and support skin barrier repair. However, the study was relatively small, and outcomes may not generalise across all psoriasis severities or subtypes. Nonetheless, the findings encourage clinicians to consider recommending appropriate skincare as a routine component of psoriasis care.
Reference
Draelos Z et al. Study of Adjuvant Sensitive-Skin Cleansing and Moisturizing Regimen in Plaque Psoriasis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(8):739-43.
