ABSTRACT
Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin disease affecting approximately 2%–3% of American adults. The disease not only affects the physical health of patients but can also lead to substantial impairment of psychosocial well-being and overall quality of life. Furthermore, psoriasis represents a significant financial cost for patients and the overall health care system. The development of psoriasis is multifactorial, including genetic and environment factors. Methotrexate is an effective immunosuppressive agent that is used in a number of dermatologic conditions, including psoriasis. Many considered methotrexate to be the gold standard treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis as well as psoriatic arthritis. The ability to develop the effective therapeutic agents individualized for a specific genetic composition would truly revolutionize the practice of medicine. Furthermore, a targeted therapeutic approach will also decrease the inherent expenditure of time and finances in failed treatment regimens.
