Management of psoriasis.

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis affects more than 6% of Australian adults. While rarely life threatening it can have an enormous psychosocial impact on sufferers.

OBJECTIVE

To outline the treatment options for psoriasis.

DISCUSSION

Localised psoriasis can usually be managed by topical therapy but more widespread psoriasis will require stronger treatments such as ultraviolet light, or various oral therapies. There is a great deal of psoriasis research underway and a number of new treatments have evolved over the past few years, some of which have yet to be released in Australia. As with any medical therapy the risks of the treatment must be weighed against the likely benefits. The patient needs to have an informed, sympathetic doctor to discuss the various available options.