NPF Residents Meeting

Developing psoriasis during childhood or adolescence can affect self-esteem. Dr. Amy Paller discussed the impact of psoriasis on adolescents, and treatment options, during the annual NPR Residents Meeting.

From obesity to heart disease, patients with psoriasis have a host of comorbidities and most rely on their dermatologist for comprehensive care.

For psoriasis patients, the most common comorbidity they may experience is psoriatic arthritis. Knowing how to identify and treat it can be critical.

Biologics certainly have shown to be an effective treatment in plaque psoriasis, but physicians should not discount more traditional therapies for treating psoriasis.

Understanding measures of psoriasis disease severity is critical for the patient. And, many payers, including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service require an accurate PASI or PGA score on all psoriasis claims.

At the 20th annual National Psoriasis Foundation residents meeting recently held in Chicago, Dr. Abby Van Voorhees, said that phototherapy can improve psoriasis, but it is not in common practice today.

Nearly 80 percent of patients experience limited-to-moderate psoriasis disease, and topical therapies account for the majority, if not all, of their treatment. But the choice of topical treatment depends on the patient.