Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory skin condition involving skin, nails, and joints. It shows a major genetic component and various clinical forms, including plaque, guttate, inverse, erythrodermic, and pustular psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis is the most common comorbidity of psoriasis. The diagnosis is primarily clinical and a skin biopsy is rarely recommended. Psoriasis is associated with physical, emotional, and social burdens; therefore, the goals of treatment are aimed at improving the skin symptoms, as well as the quality of life. Topical therapies are considered first-line treatment for patients with mild to moderate psoriasis. For patients with more severe disease and psoriatic arthritis, conventional systemic agents, phototherapy, and biologics are often indicated. This chapter provides an overview of the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of psoriasis and outlines the treatment and management options available for psoriasis.