Nail Psoriasis: An Updated Review and Expert Opinion on Available Treatments, Including Biologics

Acta Derm Venereol. 2019 May 1;99(6):516-523. doi: 10.2340/00015555-3098.

Abstract

Nail psoriasis affects 50-79% of patients with skin psoriasis and up to 80% of patients with psoriatic arthritis, and can also represent a negative prognostic factor in individuals with plaque psoriasis. Treatments for nail psoriasis are limited, as nails are often difficult to treat with topical therapies alone, and relapse is common. Among different systemic agents, secukinumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin (IL)-17A, is the only antibody supported by a trial specifically conducted in patients with nail psoriasis (the TRANSFIGURE trial) and has the longest follow-up available to date. In this setting, secukinumab is characterized by the highest efficacy at week 16. This review analysed the different therapeutic options for nail psoriasis, focusing on new treatments that have shown promising results in this field.

Keywords: biologic therapy; efficacy; nail psoriasis; systemic therapy; tolerability.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use
  • Biological Products / therapeutic use*
  • Dermatologic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Injections
  • Nail Diseases / diagnosis
  • Nail Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Psoriasis / diagnosis
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Biological Products
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • secukinumab