Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed an innovative patch that could significantly improve the treatment experience for psoriasis patients. The novel patch, designed to reduce the frequency of application, addresses common issues faced by individuals with psoriasis, one of the most prevalent skin conditions worldwide.
Psoriasis, which affects 4-5% of the Danish population, is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by red patches covered with white scales. These symptoms can vary in severity and size, making treatment challenging for many patients. While creams and ointments remain the most common treatment options, their frequent application is often a burden. The greasy residue left by these products can discourage consistent use, which is critical for effective management.
In response to these challenges, a team of researchers has developed a dry patch that may offer a more convenient and comfortable treatment option for patients with smaller, localized plaques of psoriasis. Associate Professor Andrea Heinz from the Department of Pharmacy, the corresponding author on a series of studies about the patch, explains that it allows for once-daily application, offering a more practical and comfortable solution for those suffering from plaque psoriasis.
Dual-Function Patch for Targeted Treatment
The patch is designed to release two active ingredients in a controlled manner, each targeting a different aspect of the condition. According to first author Anna-Lena Gürtler, the patch combines salicylic acid and hydrocortisone. Salicylic acid is released immediately to exfoliate dead skin cells, while hydrocortisone is gradually released to reduce inflammation—a process that takes longer.
“This approach is particularly beneficial because psoriasis treatment often requires multiple products,” Gürtler explains. “The controlled release of both ingredients allows for a more efficient and effective treatment in a single application.” Preliminary tests on pig skin and human skin cells have shown that the patch matches the effectiveness of conventional creams and ointments available at pharmacies.
Versatility and Future Potential
The patch was created using electrospinning, a technique in which a polymer solution is exposed to high voltage to form synthetic nanofibers. These fibers are then woven into a mat that can be applied directly to the skin like a plaster.
While the researchers are still conducting studies and refining the patch, they believe it could serve as a game-changer not just for psoriasis, but also for other inflammatory skin conditions. Associate Professor Heinz notes that the technology could be expanded to treat diseases such as atopic eczema and may even have applications in wound healing.
“This patch, containing active ingredients, could potentially replace traditional creams and ointments for a variety of inflammatory skin disorders,” Heinz says. However, more research, product development, and clinical trials are needed before the patch is ready for widespread use.
As the development of this patch progresses, it could offer a more convenient, effective, and less cumbersome treatment option for psoriasis patients and beyond, marking a significant advancement in dermatological care.
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