Inflammatory diseases – a new way of thinking

Abstract

Psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and the inflammatory bowel diseases form a group of pathogenetically related and possibly co-occurring diseases. After its onset, psoriasis is usually a chronic disease that often requires lifelong treatment. Today, several groups of drugs are available for the treatment of psoriasis, with different characteristics, efficacy and safety. To use these drugs appropriately, we need to develop rational criteria and strategies. Decision making in psoriasis treatment should be tailored to the individual condition and needs of the patient, considering the life phase, associated diseases and co-morbidities. In addition to the acute improvement of the disease, psoriasis therapy should generate long-term perspectives that must be developed between the patient and the treating dermatologist and implemented in management concepts.