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Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that can cause substantial disability. The recognition of psoriasis as an immunologically mediated disease led to the development of agents that specifically target key steps in the pathological process. In this review, we focus on the mechanism of action, the efficacy and the safety data of the new biological treatments: alefacept, efalizumab, etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab.

The growing emergency of infections with community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) secreting the Panton-Valentine toxin (PVL) has become a serious health problem with epidemic proportions. These bacteria are responsible of severe skin and soft tissue infections, with frequently necrotic lesions, and severe necrotizing pneumonias. CA-MRSA, the spreading of which is particularly observed in certain risk populations (such as schoolchildren, prison inmates, exposure to healthcare establishment) is now also implicated in nosocomial infections. Besides adequate antibiotic treatment, surgical drainage and incision of the skin lesions are important. It is therefore essential to respect elementary hygiene rules in order to prevent the acquisition and transmission of CA-MRSA.