Plaque psoriasis

Most common form of psoriasis. Well-demarcated red plaques with silvery scale appear on extensor surfaces, scalp and lumbar area. Mild and moderate disease (PASI ≤10, BSA ≤10%) is treated topically with corticosteroids and vitamin D analogues (calcipotriol); severe disease requires phototherapy, methotrexate, ciclosporin or biologics.

ICD-10 L40.01 drug

Also known as: Psoriasis vulgaris, Chronic plaque psoriasis

Drugs used for this condition

ACalcipotriolSecond line · Topical antipsoriatic, synthetic vitamin D3 analogueCalcipotriol as monotherapy or, more often, in a fixed combination with betamethasone (Daivobet, Enstilar) is a treatment option for mild and moderate plaque psoriasis of trunk and limbs (PASI up to 10, BSA up to 10%). NICE CG153, BAD 2024 and AEDV 2022 position calcipotriol as a steroid-sparing agent once disease is controlled by topical corticosteroids: after 2–4 weeks of steroid the regimen switches to calcipotriol, then to 1–2 applications per week for remission maintenance. AAD 2020 reports efficacy comparable to mid-potency topical steroids for monotherapy of moderate psoriasis.

How to read tiers A–F

Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.

AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
BRecommended in selected cases
CStudy data contradict each other
DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit