Metalloproteinases play a crucial role in the destruction processes related to inflammation and carcinogenesis as well as in wound healing, morphogenesis and growth. Destruction of extracellular matrix proteins related to these enzymes activity and following damage of basement membranes favour angiogenesis and inflammatory infiltrations in psoriasis. Metalloproteina-ses activity can be controlled on different levels: genetic expression, enzyme activation or its inhibition. In this paper we discuss recently discovered role of metalloproteinases in the pathogenesis of skin diseases, including psoriasis. The most interesting seems to be results of research on possible application of metalloproteinases inhibitors in psoriasis treatment and usefulness of these enzymes measurement in the management of this disease.