title: Treatment of psoriasis: an algorithm-based approach for primary care physicians.
abstract: Psoriasis is characterized by red, thickened plaques with a silvery scale. The lesions vary in size and degree of inflammation. Psoriasis is categorized as localized or generalized, based on the severity of the disease and its overall impact on the patient's quality of life and well-being. Patient education about the disease and the treatment options is important. Medical treatment for localized psoriasis begins with a combination of topical corticosteroids and coal tar or calcipotriene. For lesions that are difficult to control with initial therapy, anthralin or tazarotene may be tried. The primary goal of therapy is to maintain control of the lesions. Cure is seldom achieved. If control becomes difficult or if psoriasis is generalized, the patient may benefit from phototherapy, systemic therapy and referral to a physician who specializes in the treatment of psoriasis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA.
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Pardasani
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Feldman
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Clark
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000465:Algorithms; D003657:Decision Making; D003663:Decision Trees; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000592:standards; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D013664:Teaching Materials
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D003879:Dermatologic Agents