Treatment of psoriasis.

The disease of psoriasis is examined as to its incidence, etiology, clinical manifestations, and possible complications. Drugs that might cause dermatotoxic effects are introduced as possible agents that might precede an acute attack. Topical therapy, the initial approach with most forms of mild to moderate psoriasis, may consist of glucocorticoids, keratolytics, anthralin, or coal tar. These agents may be used alone, in a standardized treatment regimen, or in combination with modifications of the standardized approach. Advantages, disadvantages, and clinical efficacy of the topical agents are reviewe. Systemic therapy is commonly reserved for those psoriatic cases that are severe or have proven refractory to topical therapy. The systemic agents are reviewed for clinical efficacy and toxicity. The oral psoralens in combination with long ultraviolet light are examined as one of the newest treatment approaches.