'Upgrading' psoriasis responsibly

Exp Dermatol. 2014 Oct;23(10):710-1. doi: 10.1111/exd.12494.

Abstract

Psoriasis is a 'pacemaker' in dermatology. Substantial progress has been made regarding our understanding of its pathophysiology and genetic background, fuelling developments in cutaneous biology in general. Besides, the clinical perspective on psoriasis is currently changing, taking into consideration comorbidity and the systemic dimensions of this seemingly organ-specific inflammation. The availability of drugs exhibiting fewer contraindications and improved long-term safety opened a discussion around replacing a relatively limited (regarding both objectives and duration) 'therapeutic' by a much broader 'management' approach when it comes to treating psoriasis as a systemic disease. The question arises whether this 'upgrade' is warranted.

Keywords: comorbidity; management; psoriasis; screening; treatment.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Psoriasis / therapy*