ABSTRACT
Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated skin disease that affects 2%–4% of the world population. In a survey of dermatologists who belong to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 70% of psoriasis patients were treated with topical therapies and 30% with phototherapy and systemic therapy. Topical therapies are usually used as first-line treatments; they are safe and effective, easy to administer, and cost-effective. The chapter discusses the various factors to be considered when choosing whether to use topical agents or systemic therapies. It analyses different issues to be considered before prescribing topical agents for psoriasis. The chapter shows that these general guidelines for the use of topical therapies will help physicians choose the optimal topical therapy for their patients. Patients can be classified as having mild, moderate, or severe psoriasis based on their body surface area (BSA); the BSA value can then be used to determine a treatment regimen.
