Successful Management of a Black Male With Psoriasis and Dyspigmentation Treated With Halobetasol Propionate 0.01%/Tazarotene 0.045% Lotion: Case Report

Abstract

Skin of color patients with psoriasis face unique challenges related to disease characteristics and treatment. Dyspigmentation, including postinflammatory hypo-and hyperpigmentation, more frequently and severely affects patients with skin of color and remains a challenge in psoriasis management. We present the case of a 58-year-old Black male with moderate psoriasis who was treated for 8 weeks with a fixed combination halobetasol propionate 0.01%/tazarotene 0.045% (HP/TAZ) lotion during a phase 3 study (NCT02462070). HP/TAZ was efficacious in this patient, whose Investigator's Global Assessment score decreased from 3 (moderate) at baseline to 1 (almost clear) within 4 weeks, with maintenance of "almost clear" through week 12 (4 weeks posttreatment). Affected body surface area decreased by 50% and quality of life greatly improved from baseline to week 8. The patient experienced dyspigmentation of the affected skin during the trial; hypopigmentation was primarily experienced from weeks 2-8, with the greatest degree at week 4. By week 12, the affected skin area had returned to normal, with only small regions of hyperpigmentation, primarily around the periphery of the lesion. These results indicate that HP/TAZ may be a treatment option for patients with skin of color, who are disproportionally affected by postinflammatory dyspigmentation.