Introduction: History of psoriasis and psoriasis therapy.- The pathophysiology of psoriasis.- Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: a clinical review.- Topical therapy I: corticosteroids and vitamin D analogs.- Topical therapy II: retinoids, immunomodulators, and others.- Ultraviolet and laser therapy.- Traditional systemic therapy I: methotrexate and cyclosporine.- Traditional systemic therapy II: retinoids and others (hydroxyurea, thiopurine antimetabolites, mycophenlic acid, sulfasalazine).- Biologic therapy for psoriasis: an overview of infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, efalizumab, and alefacept.- Biologic and oral therapies in development for the treatment of psoriasis.- Quality of life issues in psoriasis.

This volume provides an in-depth overview of the current state of psoriasis and its management. It reviews the clinical manifestations of psoriasis as well as psoriatic arthritis and emphasizes the evolving paradigm of therapy. Coverage includes topical and ultraviolet therapies as well as traditional systemic therapy. In addition, a major focus of the volume is on biologic therapies. New agents in development are also reviewed.