Book excerpt: Psoriasis can no longer be considered a mere skin disease - it is a spectrum of different conditions requiring a spectrum of different treatments. Yet the systemic and psychosocial consequences of the condition often go unrecognized. The fourth edition of this refreshingly readable handbook explores the potential to improve the quality of life of patients by reducing the range of comorbidities associated with psoriasis, including arthritis, cardiovascular disease and inflammatory bowel disease. Fast Facts: Psoriasis is packed with practical information on all aspects of this increasingly treatable disease, including: • a concise review of the immunologic and genetic aspects of the disease • a well-illustrated guide to clinical presentation and differential diagnosis • all management options, from topical treatments to current and emerging receptor-targeted therapies • a commonsense approach to management by rotating and combining therapies • a fully updated chapter on psoriatic arthritis 'Fast Facts: Psoriasis' is essential reading for the primary care team, dermatology trainees and specialists in cardiology, gastroenterology and rheumatology who want to learn all about psoriasis but have little time to spare. Contents: • Epidemiology and pathophysiology • Clinical presentation • Differential diagnosis • General management approach • Topical Therapy • Phototherapy and photochemotherapy • Systemic therapy • Receptor-targeted (biological) therapies • Psoriatic arthritis • Future trends • Useful resources