Newswise — MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (March 1, 2013) – Clinicians looking to enhance their ability to diagnose and treat patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis have a new tool available with the introduction of the American Academy of Dermatology’s (Academy) mobile app of the Academy’s evidence-based clinical guidelines for these skin and joint conditions.
Developed by a team of dermatologists who specialize in the management of psoriasis, the comprehensive guidelines published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) from 2008 to 2011 assessed the available therapies for psoriasis based on an extensive review of the scientific literature. The guidelines focused on each of the four major therapeutic areas for psoriasis – biologics, topical therapies, traditional systemic agents, and phototherapy and photochemotherapy – and the treatment of psoriatic arthritis.
“Psoriasis is a complex skin condition that requires proper evaluation, a customized treatment approach and regular monitoring,” said board-certified dermatologist Daniel M. Siegel, MD, FAAD, president of the Academy. “This new app is a valuable resource that will aid dermatologists and all clinicians with its easy-to-use recommendations and treatment algorithms for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.”
The free psoriasis app is available at www.aad.org/PsoriasisApp and contains valuable clinical information on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, including:• Clinical decision tree• Quick reference guide for diagnoses• Arthritic diagnostic checklist and scoring• Clinical recommendations for all available therapies• Guide to topical therapy and methotrexate treatment• Phototherapy/photochemotherapy dosing guidelines• CPT and HCPCS Codes, and treatment reimbursement algorithm• Case studies and treatment algorithm
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that usually develops before age 35 and is characterized by thick, red, scaly patches that itch and bleed. Nearly 7.5 million Americans are living with this skin condition. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to causing this disease. A joint condition, psoriatic arthritis is a chronic disease characterized by stiffness, pain, swelling and tenderness of the joints, surrounding ligaments and tendons. Nearly 85 percent of psoriatic arthritis patients develop psoriasis before psoriatic arthritis. Research suggests psoriasis patients have an increased risk of developing serious medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, lymphoma, obesity and metabolic syndrome.# # #
Celebrating 75 years of promoting skin, hair and nail healthHeadquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 17,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org. Follow the Academy on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology) or Twitter (@AADskin).
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