Treating Psoriasis: The Good, The Bad, and The Liver

Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that causes a lot of discomfort and can really affect how people live their lives. Doctors often prescribe pills like methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin, and apremilast to help manage it, especially when the condition is severe and other treatments aren't an option. These medicines can work well, but they can also cause problems, especially for the liver. Methotrexate and acitretin are known to be tough on the liver, so doctors need to keep a close eye on patients taking them. Cyclosporine is a bit easier on the liver, but it's not risk-free. Apremilast is gentler on the liver but isn't as strong as the other drugs. Scientists are always looking for better treatments. New drugs like TYK2 inhibitors, RORγt inhibitors, and improved PDE4 inhibitors are in the works. These aim to be more effective and cause fewer side effects. Understanding how these drugs affect the liver is crucial. Researchers are looking for ways to predict who might have problems and how to protect the liver. They're also exploring how genes can help doctors choose the best treatment for each person. Treating psoriasis isn't just about picking the right drug. It's also about keeping an eye on the patient, making lifestyle changes, and using the latest medical advances. The goal is to find a balance between making the treatment work well and keeping the patient safe. Future research should focus on making better predictions about liver damage and developing safer, more effective drugs.