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Psoriasis is the most common autoimmune condition in the US, affecting 7.5 million people. It is a complex, genetically linked disease; 1 in every 3 patients with psoriasis has a relative with the condition. The human and economic tolls are signifi­cant. Patients with psoriasis have lower quality of life scores, along with increased occurrences of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. In the US, more than $63 million is spent an­nually in direct healthcare costs for psoriasis.

Currently, there is no cure; however, a variety of treat­ments (topical, systemic, phototherapy) are available to manage symptoms, minimize disease progression, and improve quality of life. Since the early 2000s, research into the immunopatho­genesis of psoriasis has led to the development of biologic agents that target specific components of the immune system. Despite the availability of multiple treatments, patients with psoriasis in the US are often under treated, or untreated. Untreated or under treated psoriasis leads to disseminated disease and poten­tially, to joint impairment in the form of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), which causes pain and stiffness of affected joints.

While psoriasis treatment guidelines recommend that trained specialty providers prescribe systemic therapies for patients with this disease, community practitioners should have a sufficient knowledge base to monitor treatment. Frequent patient interactions allow community practitioners, including pharmacists and nurse practitioners, to play an important role in psoriasis management. This issue will review basic information about cutaneous psoriasis and summarize various treatments, so practitioners can better manage and educate patients.

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