Psoriasis

Methotrexate has been used for over half a century to treat a wide spectrum of skin conditions. This article delves into research on the pharmacogenetic properties of the drug as well as the variety of skin conditions that Methotrexate is used to treat.

The exact role of biologics in the treatment of pediatric psoriasis remains undefined but evolving. This article will provide a summary of the cumulative pediatric safety and efficacy data for the anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) agents and interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 (IL12/23) pathway inhibitor.

Scalp psoriasis, especially around the hairline, can cause significant impairment in quality of life due to its visibility. This articles makes a case for a combination of 308 nm excimer laser with clobetasol spray for the treatment of scalp psoriasis.

Biologic compounds are being used more frequently to treat a multitude of systemic inflammatory conditions. This article discusses the increased risk of opportunistic infections of tuberculosis, herpes zoster, Legionella pneumophila, and Listeria monocytogenes.

Several variants of psoriasis are seen in children, the most prevalent types include plaque, guttate, and psoriatic diaper rash; pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis are less frequently observed. This article discusses genetic susceptibility, and environmental triggers are discussed.

This article focuses on topical D3 vitamin analogues for the treatment of psoriasis. Therapeutic efficacy, toxicity, patient adherence, combination therapy, and the family physician's role in psoriasis treatment are covered.

Pregnancy is characterized by multiple physiologic changes. Herein, we review the complicated relationships between psoriasis and pregnancy.

Psoriasis and eczema, especially atopic eczema, are two of the most common cutaneous conditions seen by family physicians and dermatologists. This article discusses the etiology of psoriasis and eczema, immunologic abnormalities, and the role of immune mediators.

Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent, immune-mediated, papulosquamous skin condition characterized by rapid proliferation of keratinocytes. This article focuses on the role of vitamin D analogues in the treatment of psoriasis.

Biologics plays an important role in treating moderate to severe psoriasis. This article looks at combination treatment with traditional systemics and topicals, and the possible benefits of this approach.

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition prone to periods of skin flaring. As our understanding of the etiology of psoriasis becomes clearer, the treatment regimes can be better tailored to control the disease and address psychological fears of patients.

Emotional stress may influence the development and exacerbation of psoriasis. This article review the evidence for stress and its effects, the challenges in accurate measurements, as well as management strategies.

Alcohol is a serious cause of morbidity and mortality in our society and is implicated in multiple health conditions, including hepatic failure, neurological damage, and hematological disorders. Herein, we review the evidence concerning the influences of alcohol in skin conditions.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory cutaneous disorder that can significantly affect patient quality of life (QoL). This article discusses immunologic abnormalities, immune mediators, and the possible pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Psoriasis and eczema, especially atopic eczema, are two of the most common cutaneous conditions seen by family physicians and dermatologists. This article focuses on corticosteroids of varying strengths and their suggested indications.

Topical therapy forms the cornerstone of treatment in the management of psoriasis. Topical options, vehicle advances, and treatment efficacy of several topicals are discussed for managing psoriasis.

Psoriasis and eczema can at times be recalcitrant to conservative topical treatment. This article focuses on corticosteroid strength and their appropriate uses for various presentations.

Biologic agents were introduced during the past decade as a new class of treatments for chronic psoriasis. This review will discuss data from clinical trials that have provided new insights into the efficacy, safety, and cost effectiveness of alefacept as a treatment for psoriasis.

Patients suffering from scalp psoriasis frequently seek medical care because of the persistent discomfort due to itching and social embarrassment. This article explores some of the challenges that patients fact, current options and new advances in the topical management and strategies that may improve treatment outcomes.

Scalp psoriasis occurs in 50%-75% of patients with plaque psoriasis. It may be the only area of the body affected, or it may be associated with disease elsewhere, including psoriatic arthritis. Most cases are treated topically, usually with steroids and/or calcipotriol.

Patients suffering from scalp psoriasis frequently seek medical care because of the persistent discomfort and social embarrassment caused by the visible flakes that are shed onto clothing. However, the presence of hair makes it challenging to apply medication to the scalp.

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that is mediated, in part by the body’s T-cell inflammatory response mechanisms. Current data regarding the efficacy of these agents show they may have the potential to become the new clinical gold standard for biologic therapy to treat psoriasis.

The choice of treatment for psoriasis in children, as in adults, is determined by disease acuity, morphology, distribution, and severity. Part II of this 2-part series features an overview of systemic and light therapies including their varying degrees of effectiveness, potential side-effects and applications in clinical practice.

For many years, clinicians have expressed ongoing concerns about treatment adherence by patients, especially pertaining to those with chronic skin disorders. Although crucial to effective therapeutic outcomes, the issue of patient adherence has been largely ignored in dermatologic disease management until recently.

Psoriasis represents a potentially life-altering disease that can profoundly impact physical, emotional and social functioning, and overall quality of life. Part I of this 2-part series will focus on topical agents, their varying degrees of effectiveness, potential side-effects and applications in clinical practice.

Psoriasis is associated with comorbidities that include metabolic syndrome and increased cardiovascular risk. These conditions share etiologic features and health consequences that directly correlate with the severity of psoriatic disease.

Psoriasis is known as a condition that significantly affects quality of life (QoL). This article discusses various aspects of psoriasis, and its symptoms as it relates to quality of life and appropriate interventions.

This article discusses the over the counter (OTC) treatments for psoriasis that are available to patients without a prescription. Tar, salicylic acids, and hydrocortisone creams are some of the treatments discussed.

Topical treatments are usually the first line therapies for psoriasis. Corticosteroids, calcipotriol/calcupotriene, tazarotene, tars, and anthralin are discussed.

Oral treatments for treating psoriasis are discussed. This article focuses on methotrexate, acetretin, and cyclosporine.

Many aspects of psoriasis remain a mystery - but one that is slowly becoming revealed. Various immunobiological treatments for psoriasis are covered in this article.

Biologics represent a new type of treatment that shows promise. This article provides a quick overview of how they work, and what makes these classes of drugs promising.

This article provides an overview for the drug, Efalizumab (RAPTIVA®) for the treatment of psoriasis. Indications, mechanism, contraindications, side-effects are considered.

Etanercept is a TNF-alpha receptor fused onto human IgG and inhibits TNF-alpha activity. Dosage, side-effects, and drug interactions are discussed.

Infliximab is monoclonal antibody targeted against human tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Dosage, side-effects, and drug interactions are discussed.

Light therapy can be an effective treatment modality when treating a large skin surface where topical medication would be inconvenient. This article covers UVB, PUVA, Re-PUVA, and laser treatments.

Combination therapy is both commonly used and effective in treating psoriasis. Common combinations like acitretin+light therapy, methotrexate+UVB, and tar+anthralin are discussed.

Psoriasis types and subtypes can influence preferred treatment modality. This article discusses the symptoms specific to the psoriasis subtype, and considerations for selecting treatment.

In October 2004 Amevive® (alefacept) became the first biologic approved for psoriasis in Canada. It is used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis. This article discusses clinical trials, side effects, and drug interactions.

Hand and foot psoriasis is a chronic and debilitating disease that manifests as plaque-type or pustular-type lesions. Although the palms and soles represent only 2% of the total body surface area, psoriasis of these regions may lead to physical dysfunctions that can greatly impair dexterity, mobility, and the quality of life.