Topical Trouble Spots: Treating Hyperkeratotic Plaques with Confidence
Hyperkeratotic psoriatic plaques, those dense, elevated, and heavily scaled lesions, can be particularly resistant to topical therapy. A new post hoc analysis of two phase 3 trials highlights the efficacy of halobetasol propionate 0.01%/tazarotene 0.045% lotion (HP/TAZ) in this challenging subset.
Across multiple patient subgroups with severe plaque elevation and/or scaling, once-daily HP/TAZ significantly outperformed vehicle at week 8, with greater than or equal to 2-grade improvements in elevation and scaling (P less than or equal to 0.05). Tolerability improved from baseline by over 46%, and adverse event rates were similar between groups.
Bottom line: HP/TAZ offers a well-tolerated and effective option for patients with hyperkeratotic plaque psoriasis, meeting the moment for more severe presentations.
Citation: Tanghetti E, Stein Gold L, Lain E, Jacobson A. Clinical profile of halobetasol propionate 0.01%/tazarotene 0.045% lotion in patients with hyperkeratotic plaque psoriasis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(6):590-598. doi:10.36849/JDD.8720R1
