An adult with extensive plaque psoriasis needs rapid short-term control of a severe flare. Topical treatment and phototherapy are inadequate,

Question

An adult with extensive plaque psoriasis needs rapid short-term control of a severe flare. Topical treatment and phototherapy are inadequate, pregnancy is excluded, renal function and blood pressure are normal, and conventional systemic therapy is appropriate. Which initial systemic drug best fits this objective?

Accepted Answer

Begin ciclosporin as conventional systemic treatment for rapid short-term control

Answer

Use methotrexate because long-term disease control should take priority despite the stated need for rapid short-term control

Answer

Use acitretin because rapid plaque clearance is its principal advantage in this phenotype

Answer

Use oral prednisolone as induction treatment and taper after complete clearance

Answer

Use a biologic first because extensive disease makes conventional systemic treatment inappropriate

Dermatology — UKMLA MCQ