[Medical health apps for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis]

Chronic inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are associated with a high disease burden and significant healthcare needs. Given limited specialist resources, the use of medical health apps is increasingly coming into focus as a means of supporting patients in self-management and closing gaps in care. This review highlights digital health applications available in Germany for PsO and PsA. Their functions, objectives, and potential benefits in the context of care are analysed. Six relevant apps were identified based on a systematic literature review and a structured search of the popular app stores. None of the applications are currently approved as digital health applications (German: DiGA). The apps differ in terms of their target groups, range of functions, and scientific evidence. While some primarily deal with dermatological aspects (e.g., Sorea, Psoriasis Monitor), others focus more on rheumatological issues (e.g., Mida Rheuma App, Rheuma-Auszeit). The range is supplemented by educational apps (e.g., PSO Kiosk) and therapy-accompanying apps (e.g., MyTherapy). Such digital apps can promote understanding of the disease, contribute to improving therapy adherence and have a positive effect on mental well-being, especially in patients with PsO and PsA, who often experience stress and mental comorbidities. Even though no app has yet achieved DiGA status, individual applications can be a useful addition to care.