Psoriasis: optimising patients’ quality of life in primary and community care settings.

Why you should read this article: • To increase your awareness of psoriasis as a multisystemic condition often accompanied by comorbidities • To enhance your understanding of nurses’ role in assessing, treating and supporting people with psoriasis • To count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers) • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers). Psoriasis is a common, non-contagious chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects approximately 1.5% of the population. The most common type is plaque psoriasis, which presents as raised and scaly skin plaques. Psoriasis can have systemic manifestations, for example psoriatic arthritis, and it increases the risk of comorbidities such as cardiovascular conditions, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, obesity and inflammatory bowel disease. It also commonly affects patients’ mental health. Sites where psoriasis has a particularly high impact on patients include the face, scalp, palms, soles, flexures and genitals. Treatments range from topical preparations to biologics and vary depending on the severity of psoriasis and the extent of its effects on the patient’s life. Nurses in primary and community care are well placed to assess, treat, educate, support and refer patients, helping them to live their lives with minimal detrimental effects from their condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]