Recognition and treatment of psoriasis. Special considerations in elderly patients.

Psoriasis is a chronic dermatological disorder that affects 1 to 2% of the general population. Although its aetiology is still unknown, the importance of genetic factors has been confirmed by many studies, mainly in young individuals. With respect to clinical features, plaque-type psoriasis (localised or generalised) is the most common form. At present, there is no cure for psoriasis and the available treatments can only temporarily clear the skin manifestations. The choice of treatment regimen for psoriasis is based on the severity of the disease, the patient's gender, age, treatment history and level of compliance, and the physician's personal experience. All therapies for psoriasis have different and potentially toxic effects. Therefore, a good knowledge of their relative and absolute contraindications, adverse effects and interactions with other drugs is mandatory. The elderly represent a significant proportion of patients with psoriasis because its prevalence increases with age. Physicians, particularly general practitioners, dermatologists and gerontologists, must be aware of the problems that the treatment of psoriasis in the elderly can present. This is especially important because of the increased risk of adverse drug reactions in the elderly.