Abstract
Abstract
Background
In moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis, residual lesions can be defined as “psoriasis lesions that persist despite well‐managed treatment, and which do not necessarily justify intensification or a change in treatment.” Residual lesions are accepted by guidelines and clinical trials.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, identified risk factors, and management of residual psoriasis lesions among dermatologists.
Methods
We performed a web‐based survey among French dermatologists between December 2024 and January 2025.
Results
Among the 505 (21.0% of surveyed dermatologists) responders, 30.7% stated that the limit between “treatment ineffectiveness” and “residual disease” was unclear, and 88.6% declared to see patients with residual lesions. The profile of patients with residual lesions was middle‐age patients (30–70 years: > 56% of treated patients), males (97.0%), with incomplete treatment efficacy (67.7%), long‐standing psoriasis (47.6%), and past history of severe psoriasis (41.2%). Main identified locations were scalp (50.6%), elbows (48.3%), nails (43.0%), shins (40.0%), and knees (35.9%). One quarter (22.5%) of dermatologists declared not to anticipate treatment of residual disease.
Conclusions
In everyday practice, residual psoriasis in patients undergoing systemic treatment is a reality and a major concern for dermatologists and patients, especially as, according to guidelines and clinical trials, incomplete treatment efficacy is tolerated.