Economic analyses of the treatment of psoriasis

Increased pressures on health care budgets in most countries have emphasized the need for economic evaluation studies of drugs and treatments. Being a chronic condition affecting 1 to 2% of the general population, psoriasis has a substantial economic impact. Several studies on the economic impact have already been published. It is not easy to calculate exactly the costs and outcomes of treatments. One has to be careful of the pitfalls and be wary of wrong interpretations. Results from different countries can not be extrapolated and are not easily compared. Psoriasis also causes significant psychosocial morbidity. More and more studies, using a variety of methods are trying to assess the impact of the disease on the quality of life. Physicians and patients are being sensitized through these economic studies to the cost of treatment which is important in this period of budget restrictions. The results of these studies can help in management decisions, in a more rational use of resources, and can rule out ineffective and expensive treatments.