Psoriasis and Psoriatic Spectrum Disease: A Primer for the Primary Care Physician

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder that affects approximately 7.5 million people in the United States. Individuals with psoriasis may develop cutaneous, articular, and systemic manifestations, which are a source of significant morbidity and a heightened risk of mortality, and may adversely impact patient-reported quality of life measures. Psoriasis is now recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, peripheral vascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, certain malignancies, and chronic renal disease. Therefore, it has become increasingly relevant that primary care physicians have a basic working knowledge and an understanding of fundamental management principles of psoriasis. This review highlights the salient clinical features of psoriasis and psoriatic spectrum disease, emphasizing key updates with respect to systemic disease and associated conditions, and briefly outlines a therapeutic algorithm for the primary care physician.