Treating scalp psoriasis in women of African ancestry
Dr. Andrew Alexis emphasizes that dermatologists should take into account a patient's cultural differences when prescribing treatments. (720 words, 2.4 min)
When treating a woman of African ancestry with psoriasis of the scalp, Dr. Andrew F. Alexis recommends that doctors consider differences in hair structure and hair-care practices.
“When prescribing topical therapy, in particular, we have got to go an extra step and think about prescribing something that will be compatible with this patient’s hair type and hair-care regimen, especially hair-washing frequency,” said Dr. Alexis in a presentation at Skin Spectrum Summit in Vancouver.
Generally, he said, hair-washing frequency is lower in women of African ancestry for various practical and cultural reasons. Once-weekly or once-every-other-week washing is common, he said.
“To prescribe something that involves washing the hair every single day would not be aligned with this patient’s normal hair-care practices, so we have to come up with a regimen that involves a good compromise.”
He said that this compromise could be something such as once- weekly washing with a medicated shampoo and using potent topical leave-on products on the scalp for the rest of the week.
It is best to get the patient’s feedback on what they would prefer as far as dosing regimen and vehicle, whether they prefer a water-based, an oil-based, or some other formulation, said Dr. Alexis.
“Breaking down various options and getting the patient’s own input on the selection goes a long way for adherence and better outcomes,” he said.
One product that is particularly well suited for treating scalp psoriasis in this population, he said, is a fixed-combination formulation of calcipotriene and betamethasone. Among its advantages is that it does not dry out the hair and is easy to leave without washing.
“However, particularly in more severe cases of scalp psoriasis, we may need to consider non-topical therapies,” he said.
One treatment that is particularly effective against scalp psoriasis is secukinumab, he noted.
“Take into account hair-care practices and query patients about traditional cultural practices that may influence the presentation of their disease,” he said.
The takeaway: Dr. Alexis said that he advises doctors not to forget to convey to the patient that “you are in with them for the long haul” and provide realistic timelines.
FROM THE LITERATURE ON PSORIASIS
Spectrum of PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitor cutaneous adverse events in skin of colour: a retrospective, single-institutional study in an urban community
In a study of adverse events related to PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitor therapy, researchers found that the medications may cause flares in patients with psoriasis. The researchers specifically looked at the distinct presentations of adverse skin events in patients with skin of colour.
Epidemiology of psoriasis in hard-to-treat body locations: data from the Danish skin cohort
A recent study found that even for patients with mild psoriasis, the skin condition can affect hard-to-treat areas such as the scalp. The researchers suggested that current treatment approaches may require optimization for patients with milder forms of psoriasis.
Scalp Psoriasis: A Literature Review of Effective Therapies and Updated Recommendations for Practical Management
A recent literature review evaluated treatment options for patients with scalp psoriasis, finding a variety of therapy options, including biologics should be considered.
VIDEO: Largest of Its Kind Study Examines Safety of Systemic Treatments for Patients with Psoriasis
AT THE INTERSECTION OF SKIN AND SOCIETY
Canadians such as Anil Sedha of Winnipeg are helping India to fight the battle against Covid-19 however they can, according to a recent report by CTV News. Spurred to take action by reports of oxygen shortages in India, Sedha created a GoFundMe page to raise money for oxygen concentrators. So far, he has raised more than $40,000 of his $50,000 goal, with all of the money going to the Indian Red Cross. "I felt I should do something," Sedha told CTV News. In addition, organizations such as “My Indians in Canada” are helping in the battle against Covid-19. Read the full story here.
This Week
Monday, May 10 is World Lupus Day
May 10 to 16 is National Nursing Week
Wednesday, May 12 is the National Pharmaceutical Congress Spring Webinar
Something to think about during the week ahead…
Next Week
Dr. Jerry Tan discusses choosing appropriate acne therapies for all skin types.
Thank you to our panellists and delegates for making the Indigenous Skin Spectrum Summit a great success. As always, we welcome your questions and comments on topics in Ethnodermatology.