Linda Stein Gold, MD: Nonsteroidal Topical Treatment for Psoriasis, Atopic Dermatitis

In an interview with HCPLive, Stein Gold, vice president of the American Academy of Dermatology and head of the Division of Dermatology at the Henry Ford Health System, discussed her lecture “Non-Steroidal Topical Therapies in Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis: The Paradigm Shift,” presented at the 2023 Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference.¹

She explained the current treatment landscape for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis as well as the key challenges associated with traditional topical steroid treatment for these dermatological conditions.

Stein Gold described the significant shift in topical therapy dermatologists are currently witnessing, which is applicable to both psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. For psoriasis, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved nonsteroidal options like tapinarof and roflumilast have emerged, offering effective options to patients. These treatments, when used to achieve complete skin clearance, can lead to months of symptom-free skin.

In atopic dermatitis, the introduction of a nonsteroidal topical Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, ruxolitinib, provides highly effective treatment without the previously common side effects.

“About half the patients got to clear almost clear at the end of clinical trials and it also doesn't sting or burn,” Stein Gold said.

Moreover, the same FDA-approved agents for psoriasis have demonstrated effectiveness and tolerability in atopic dermatitis.

While topical steroids are traditionally used for these conditions, they are considered short-term solutions, and nonsteroidal options offer promising, long-term alternatives, ensuring that a variety of treatments are available to cater to individual patient needs.

“Not every patient responds to any one medication, and it's really important to have some options,” Stein Gold concluded. “We have some great options now. I think it's exciting because we're able to use nonsteroidal treatments, either with something else or as monotherapy. And we are able to get those patients under control even better than we have in the past.”

This transcript was edited for clarity.

References

1. ^{Stein Gold L. Non-Steroidal Topical Therapies in Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis: The Paradigm Shift. Presented at: Fall Clinical Dermatology 2023 Conference. Las Vegas, NV. October 19 – 22, 2023.}