ABSTRACT

Division of Dermatology, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, U.S.A.

INTRODUCTION

Precise definitions of mild and moderate psoriasis remain an elusive goal. In general, patients with psoriasis limited to less than 5% body surface area (BSA) with no associated joint disease and little or no impact on their quality of life (QOL) are labeled as mild psoriasis and best managed with topical medications (Fig. 1) (1). Patients with moderate psoriasis have between 2% and 10% of involved BSA, with or without associated arthritis, with some alteration of the patient’s QOL (Fig. 2) (2). These patients frequently require phototherapy and/or systemic therapy in addition to topical therapy. Patients with severe psoriasis generally have greater than 10% BSA involvement, with or without associated arthritis, with a broad impact on health and QOL, and generally will require phototherapy and/or systemic therapy in addition to topical therapy.