The management of psoriasis

Abstract

A spectrum of treatments is available for patients with psoriasis. It is of utmost importance to individualize the selection of treatment for the individual patient at the very moment of consultation. The manifestation of psoriasis, the extent of the lesions and the subjective discomfort of psoriasis are important factors which denominate the selection of treatment. The most important topical treatments are calcipotriol, dithranol, tar and corticosteroids. If topical treatments are unsuccessful, phototherapy with UVB, photochemotherapy (PUVA), methotrexate, cyclosporin and acitretin are the most important therapeutical options. The possibilities and limitations of these treatments will be presented in this review. In particular, the question will be addressed to what extent treatments of psoriasis may have systemic complications.