Psoriasis: Improving adherence to topical therapy

Topical therapy has an important role in psoriasis treatment. It is efficacious and IUS a favorable safety profile as demonstrated in clinic; trials. However; poor treatment outcomes from topical therapy regimens likely result front poor adherence and ineffective use of the medic medication. The International Psoriasis Council Topical Therapy Working Group Ibis developed a new model to describe the complex interactions among patient. disease, and treatment characteristics, adherence behavior, and treatment outcomes. Recommendations are provided that play assist the health care provider in encouraging adherent: behavior in their patients. By understanding and manipulating: the factors that affect treatment adherence, improvement in adherence is possible and hence better control and outcomes in the topical treatment Of psoriasis are likely. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2008;59:1009-16.)