Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) inhibitors are widely and effectively used for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases in rheumatology, gastroenterology, and dermatology. Adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab are indicated for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis. This target treatment is very effective and lead to control the most severe cases, which were formerly fatal. Biologic treatment is strictly monitored. These large molecules, even with the same mechanism of action in the form of inhibiting TNF alpha, may act differently, and they may have other adverse effects. Skin complications of anti-TNF alpha treatment include a wide range of manifestations which can be divided into four groups: infections, reactions directly associated with drug administration, immune-mediated skin reaction, and malignancy. This chapter describes currently available information regarding the occurrence of individual complications and defines possible therapeutic options in case of individual adverse reactions.
Part of the book: Tailored Treatments in Psoriatic Patients