An analysis of racial disparities in systemic treatments for psoriasis and their pharmacologic consequences

Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory skin disease associated with significant comorbidities, yet access to effective systemic treatments remains disparate across racial and ethnic groups. Building upon recent findings of disparities in systemic medication prescriptions and hospitalization outcomes among patients with psoriasis, this commentary explores the pharmacologic, toxicologic, and health equity implications of these inequities. We discuss how prolonged undertreatment in marginalized populations exacerbates systemic inflammation, increases disease burden, and perpetuates poor health outcomes. Addressing these disparities requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach aimed at ensuring all patients with psoriasis can benefit from advances in systemic therapies.