Main description:

It has become increasingly clear that psoriatic disease, both of the skin and joints, can be a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the physician and a debilitating illness for the patient. Genetic and immunologic advances have increased our understanding of the pathophysiology of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and there is a need for practically oriented evidence based references to describe the management options open to clinicians. The speed at which developments are occurring in the field also necessitates a novel approach to keeping up with these changes in practice and the need is for a reference that that be updated regularly as the subject requires.

Psoriasis is an incredibly fast-moving discipline within dermatology. Guidelines, treatment options and management all change at incredible speed. There is a requirement to provide a comprehensive reference resource to provide practical, user friendly information for the dermatology profession to aid in the decision-making process.

Psoriasis is a graphical subdiscipline of medicine and therefore this will have copious illustrations. As a fast moving discipline the emphasis must be on annual updates to ensure that readers are kept up to date on the important areas of development.

Contents:

Introduction to Psoriasis and Psoriasis Therapy.- Pathophysiology of Psoriasis/Novel Pathways.- Psoriasis and Psoriasis Arthritis: Clinical Review and Update.- Overview of Therapeutic Options/Pharmacology.- Topical Therapy.- Ultraviolet and Laser Therapy.- Traditional Systemic Therapy.- Biologics I: TNF Inhibitors.- Biologics II: IL-12/23 and T-Cell Targeted Therapy.- Research Pipeline I: Topicals and Oral Therapies.- Research Pipeline II: Biologic Therapies.- Summary of Published Treatment Guidelines.- Reimbursement Issues/Aides.- Patient Support Programs and Organizations.- Conclusion.- Appendix: Directory of Helpful Websites/Online Resources/Telephone Numbers.