Patients' educational needs about topical treatments for psoriasis

Background Topical medications are a mainstay of psoriasis treatment. Many patients lack education about topicals. This may contribute to low adherence with long-term disease management. Objective We sought to describe educational needs concerning topical treatment for patients with psoriasis. Methods Patients' questions regarding topical therapy were collected from a National Psoriasis Foundation webcast on topical medications. The prebroadcast question responses and the postwebcast survey responses were categorized into common themes and ranked by frequency. Results Thirty percent asked about side effects, with a major emphasis on topical steroids; 16% asked about proper use; and 11% asked about efficacy. Popular new and useful education concerned specific medication facts and information on medication (especially steroid) safety, the need for treatment adherence, and the variety of options available in topical form. Limitations The study population consisted of online users expressing interest in the National Psoriasis Foundation educational material, not the general population of patients with psoriasis. Conclusions Patient needs can be better met by providing information regarding side effects, proper use, and efficacy of topical medications. Communication regarding treatment changes and adherence to the treatment regimen should also occur.