Polymeric Gels and Their Application in the Treatment of Psoriasis Vulgaris: A Review

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease, and it is especially characterized by the occurrence of red, itchy, and scaly eruptions on the skin. The quality of life of patients with psoriasis is decreased because this disease remains incurable, despite the rapid progress of therapeutic methods and the introduction of many innovative antipsoriatic drugs. Moreover, many patients with psoriasis are dissatisfied with their current treatment methods and the form with which the drug is applied. The patients complain about skin irritation, clothing stains, unpleasant smell, or excessive viscosity of the preparation. The causes of these issues should be linked with little effectiveness of the therapy caused by low permeation of the drug into the skin, as well as patients’ disobeying doctors’ recommendations, e.g., concerning regular application of the preparation. Both of these factors are closely related to the physicochemical form of the preparation and its rheological and mechanical properties. To improve the quality of patients’ lives, it is important to gain knowledge about the specific form of the drug and its effect on the safety and efficacy of a therapy as well as the patients’ comfort during application. Therefore, we present a literature review and a detailed analysis of the composition, rheological properties, and mechanical properties of polymeric gels as an alternative to viscous and greasy ointments. We discuss the following polymeric gels: hydrogels, oleogels, emulgels, and bigels. In our opinion, they have many characteristics (i.e., safety, effectiveness, desired durability, acceptance by patients), which can contribute to the development of an effective and, at the same time comfortable, method of local treatment of psoriasis for patients.

Polymeric versus lipid nanocapsules for miconazole nitrate enhanced topical delivery: in vitro and ex vivo evaluation

“…Moreover, it increases the efficacy of treatment, allows potential self-medication, and increased patient compliance (Bolla et al., 2019 ). However, topical preparations showing poor skin penetration caused adverse skin reactions such as skin irritation, allergic reactions, and itching (Kulawik-Pióro & Miastkowska, 2021 ). They also showed variable drug levels at the site of infection with unfortunate dermal and ungual bioavailability.…”

Hand Sanitizer Gel Formulation with Laccase Enzyme as an Antibacterial Against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

“…If the gel is too watery, then the gel will be challenging to stick to the skin. If the gel is too thick, then the gel is difficult to apply to the skin surface 29 . The higher the concentration of the laccase enzyme used, the greater the spreadability of the preparation (Table II).…”

Corticosteroid topical therapy range: Fluocinolone-acetonide gel

“…Gel formulacija podesna je za primenu i na kapilicijumu i neobrasloj koži, čime se pojednostavljuje sprovođenje terapije dermatoza sa generalizovanim ili multilokularnim kliničkim ispoljavanjem, kao što je psorijaza 24 . Osim topikalnih kortikosteroida, u gel formulacijama uspešno se primenjuju i drugi dermatološki lekovi, kalcipotriol, metronidazol, azelaična kiselina, dapson, retinoidi.…”