New Treatments for Psoriasis: Industry Advancements
August 19, 2025 by VitalSkin Dermatology
Psoriasis is a lifelong skin condition that can significantly impact your self-image and long-term quality of life. Psoriasis often looks like red, scaly patches on the skin, which can be extensive for some people and often feel very itchy. There are also numerous misconceptions about psoriasis. It’s a highly stigmatized condition, and finding satisfactory treatment is, for some, a constant struggle. It’s not an easy condition to navigate – there are a lot of different types of psoriasis and different ways to treat it.
In the past, this treatment was mostly about managing symptoms. Relief was often temporary, and long-term control felt out of reach for many people, particularly those with severe or advanced forms of psoriasis. Over the past 20 years, doctors have moved from treating psoriasis with basic creams to more advanced, targeted care. Today, doctors can offer therapies that work with your immune system, tailor care to your needs, and guide you through options that weren’t available just a few years ago.
Psoriasis Awareness Month Highlights a New Era in Treatment
Psoriasis Awareness Month happens in August, and it serves not only to spotlight the condition but also to highlight how far treatment has come. Today’s care looks very different from what it did even a decade ago.
Treatment today is stronger, safer, and more personalized than ever before. VitalSkin provides multiple treatment options for psoriasis and an expert team of knowledgeable doctors. VitalSkin provider Dr. Meyer Horn was recently honored by the National Psoriasis Foundation for his contributions in advancing research, education, and public awareness.
If you’ve been struggling with flare-ups or feel like your current treatment isn’t working, it might be time to explore what’s next. If you’re looking for dermatology in Chicago, you might be able to see Dr. Horn, but the VitalSkin family offers expert care in several locations in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Missouri.
Traditional Psoriasis Treatment: Why It Often Falls Short
For many years, this treatment relied heavily on topical creams, light therapy, and a lot of trial and error. These treatments focused on managing symptom severity, and didn’t always work as well for stronger, longer-lasting results.
Doctors often start with creams and ointments, like steroid creams or thick moisturizers. These help with itching, rashes, and redness for a short time before needing to reapply. Many people need to frequently re-apply these, and they may not see big changes. Today, these topical treatments are often combined with light therapy or medication.
Some patients use light therapy for psoriasis, where special UV lights are used on the skin. Light therapy usually requires going to the doctor’s office 2-3 times a week. Early forms of light therapy weren’t as optimized as they are today, and technology has come a long way.
There were also stronger medications, but early medications for psoriasis came with serious side effects. Because of that, they weren’t used unless psoriasis was very severe.
The biggest problem? Treatments were the same for almost everyone. Doctors didn’t always look at what kind of psoriasis someone had or how it affected their life. People were given the same options, no matter their needs.
And once a treatment was given, that was often it. There wasn’t much follow-up or support. Many people felt like they had to figure it out on their own, trying one thing after another without much success.
Significant Psoriasis Treatment Advancements
New Psoriasis Medication: Biologic Medications
In 2003, researchers explored the underlying genetics causing psoriasis and developed a new type of treatment called biologics. Biologics are an injectable medication that works with your immune system, not just the surface of your skin.
For many people, biologics reduce flare-ups, improve dry skin, clear patches faster, and keep skin calm for longer. This was a big step forward in treating psoriasis more effectively.
Light Therapy Options
Phototherapy for psoriasis uses either UVB (ultraviolet light B) or PUVA (ultraviolet light A with medications that help you be more sensitive to light). UVB treatments include both broadband and the more popular narrowband UVB. Through a combination of advancements in science and technology, the medical community has not only improved the effectiveness of light therapy, but at-home light therapy is becoming more available.
New in Psoriasis Treatment: 2024-2025 Updates
As recently as 2024, doctors are still finding better, safer ways to treat psoriasis and helping patients get relief faster than ever before. New research, updated guidelines, and better medications are changing what care looks like.
Faster Relief with New Psoriasis Medicine
A new treatment called bimekizumab was approved in late 2023. It works by calming two parts of the immune system at once, making it more powerful than older options. In studies, many people saw clearer skin within just a few months. For those with moderate to severe psoriasis, this means fewer flare-ups and more time feeling comfortable in their skin.
Lower-Cost Options with Biosimilars
Many older biologic treatments now have affordable alternatives called biosimilars. These medications work the same as the original brand-name drugs but usually cost less. As of 2024, more biosimilars are becoming available in the U.S., which makes it easier for more people to access strong, effective care without worrying as much about cost.
More Choices for Pills, Not Just Injections
Some people don’t like taking shots, and now they don’t have to. A new pill called deucravacitinib gives people an easier option. It works in a different way than older medications by targeting a part of the immune system called TYK2. This provides doctors with more options to treat psoriasis, allowing them to tailor treatments to each person’s specific needs and comfort.
Personalized Psoriasis Treatment Options
As science improved, doctors began using different types of biologics and other advanced medications.
Now, instead of trying the same treatment for everyone, doctors can choose what works best for each person. Today, your treatment plan is based on:
- What type of psoriasis do you have
- How strong or severe your symptoms are
- What works best for your body, schedule, and overall health
Psoriasis is a lifelong condition, but that doesn’t mean you have to live in constant discomfort or frustration. With personalized care, people often see better results, fewer flare-ups, and a bigger sense of control over their condition.
At VitalSkin, you can expect expert, personalized care from our psoriasis doctors. We look at what you need, and we choose medications and therapies based on your skin, your symptoms, and how psoriasis affects your daily life.
