Abstract
In general, patients with psoriasis present with a mild-to-moderate degree of disease involvement. These patients usually are not hospitalized for their skin condition, and most respond well to the various forms of outpatient therapy. A small percentage of patients, however, can progress to one of the more severe forms of psoriasis—some of which may even be life-threatening—and require hospitalization and a more intensive assortment of treatments. Box 1 lists criteria for hospitalization of patients with psoriasis.
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Box 1
Criteria for Hospitalization of Patients With Psoriasis
Data from Bohm ML, Voorhees JJ: White paper on hospitalization for psoriasis care. J Am Acad Dermatol 10:842–851, 1984.
Severe forms of psoriasis may have devastating consequences on every aspect of patients' lives. Life quality of patients can be greatly improved after appropriate inpatient therapy.
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In an effort to better understand how to treat these disorders and improve quality of life for these patients, this article explores several aspects of inpatient treatment available for patients with psoriasis. Special attention is given to Goeckerman regimen, combination therapies, and some innovative approaches that may shorten the hospital stay and prolong remission periods of the disease.
