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Plaque thickness modifies therapeutic response in psoriasis patients

A study of 712 psoriasis patients examined whether plaque size and thickness affected the response to topical or systemic psoriasis therapies. Patients with thin plaque disease were more likely to have a complete response to topical steroids or phototherapy. Complete clearance with topical steroids was seen in 77-80% of patients with thin plaque disease and < 5 cm plaques; this contrasts with 42-48% in those with thick plaques and plaques > 5 cm. With phototherapy, there were more complete responders in those with no psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and with plaques < 5 cm in those with PsA. Plaque thickness did not appear to be a factor in response to methotrexate. ...