Introduction: The important role of TNF-α, a proinflammatory cytokine, in the pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris and psoriatic arthritis justifies the use of therapy with etanercept, which has proved to be effective in the treatment of skin lesions and joint problems.

Aim: The paper presents the authors’ own experience in evaluation of the efficacy and safety of etanercept in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris and psoriatic arthritis in adults and in children.

Conclusions : According to the authors’ observations, etanercept administered in the dose of 50 mg once a week was characterized by patients’ high tolerance and by induction of significant skin condition improvement in patients with psoriasis vulgaris and reduction of joint complaints in patients with psoriatic arthritis, with concomitant improvement of patients’ quality of life.