ABSTRACT

The diversity of psoriasis is rooted in its association with a variety of complex medical issues and comorbid conditions. The management of psoriasis patients can be challenging. However, adequate knowledge of the unique needs and considerations of each patient population can help clinicians tailor an effective treatment regimen while maintaining the safety of their patients. Topical corticosteroids are the first-line and likely the safest option for treating psoriasis patients. However, the use of topical steroids in geriatric patients poses additional concerns. Methotrexate can be used safely in elderly patients, but the predominant concern is its use with concurrent age-related impaired renal function. Many of the systemic treatments for moderate-to-generalized psoriasis, such as biologics, are classified as immunosuppressants and thus raise the concern for malignancy. Most studies report equivocal findings regarding the overall cancer risk with biologic therapies.