How to reliably evaluate the severity of psoriasis?

Abstract

A large number of different measurements is used to assess severity of psoriasis and treatment efficacy of this entity. The best known and most frequently used is the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index. But there are many other measurements, which have both advantages and disadvantages. Below we have characterized the most commonly used psoriasis scales: Body Surface Area, Physician’s Global Assessment, Lattice System Physician’s Global Assessment, Simplified Psoriasis Index, Salford Psoriasis Index, Self-Administered Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, Simplified Psoriasis Area Severity Index, Psoriasis Assessment Severity Score, Psoriasis Log-based Area and Severity Index, Psoriasis Exact Area and Severity Index, Copenhagen Psoriasis Severity Index, National Psoriasis Foundation Psoriasis Score, Nail Psoriasis Severity Index, Dermatology Life Quality Index.

There has been no single ideal instrument yet developed to assess severity of psoriasis, which is free of limitations in use. Therefore, further studies on the optimization and proper validation of tools for assessing the severity of psoriasis are needed.