Psoriasis--new insights into pathogenesis and treatment.

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is one of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory diseases, affecting approximately 2 million people in Germany.

METHODS

Selective literature review taking into account the German S1 and S3 guidelines for the treatment of this condition.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Psoriasis is a very troublesome disease with a high economic impact. The disease often persists for life, and the patient has an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and their complications. One out of five patients develops psoriatic arthritis. The clinical picture of psoriasis is highly variable with regard to lesional characteristics and the severity of disease. To improve the management of psoriasis the guidelines must be followed and all appropriate topical and systemic treatment options must be tried, with clearly defined treatment goals. The spectrum of established systemic treatments for psoriasis has been extended by the biologics. These can be used to achieve a good skin status and a clear-cut improvement in quality of life even in patients who do not--or no longer--respond adequately to conventional therapies.