How useful are the oral retinoids in the management of psoriasis? Results of a survey of dermatologists practising in Australia

Of 234 dermatologists practising in Australia, 190 (81%) completed a questionnaire seeking their views on the role of oral retinoids in the management of psoriasis. Most dermatologists prescribed the drugs, but generally for less than 5% of their patients. Overall, they perceived that the response was only moderate in the majority of psoriatic patients treated, with 3-12 months being the treatment period for most patients. They reported that side-effects had hampered treatment in a substantial proportion of patients, making the first priority for future research the development of products with a reduced likelihood of side-effects.