PSORIASIS

Picture of psoriasis throughout the back of this patient.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a disorder characterized by abnormal growth and development of skin cells. It is known to affect about 1-3% of the population with differences in extent and severity of disease.Skin appears red and raised, scaly-like with white debris on skin, and usually at sites of previous trauma.

Cause of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is believed to be a genetic disease, however, with an environmental triggering effect. If one parent has psoriasis, 30% of their offspring will have psoriasis. If both parents have psoriasis, this rises to about 70%.

Scalp Psoriasis

The scalp of many patients with psoraisis can be affects. Psoriasis on the scalp may also be the initial presentation of psoriasis in a patient. The lesions on the sclap are white, dry and flake-like. They are distributed usually around the margins of the scalp, with some extension.

Nail Psoriasis

The nails in patients with psoriasis are commonly affected. In these patients, there are pits and yellow-brown stains on the nails, termed 'oil spots.' Nails can also have onycholysis, which is loss of the nail from its attachment.

Palms and Soles Psoriasis

When psoriasis affects the palms and soles, there is a well-demarcated red, and thick hyperheratotic skin changes. Pustules are often found in associated with these lesions.

Genital Psoriasis

Appears as redness and fissuring in the skin.

Scrotum Psoriasis

Appears as redness and fissuring in the skin.

Body Psoriasis

There are many different forms of psoriasis:

Plaque Psoriasis

Guttate Psoriasis

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Pustular Psoriasis

Picture of plaque psoriasis on the thigh.

PLAQUE PSORIASIS

Plaque psoriasis is characterized by chronic and recurrent red elevations of the skin with silvery-white scales. Much worse in the winter, and new lesions appear at sites of injury, called the Koebner phenomenon. Bleeding occurs when scales are removed, turned Auspitz' sign. Skin lesions also does not itch. Sites invloved include: scalp, trunk, nails, and extensor surfaces, such as the elbow and knee. Things to avoid: sunlight, weight gain, stresses, and drugs, like alcohol, lithium and heart medications like beta-blockers (propanolol)

PUSTULAR PSORIASIS

Pustular psoriasis is characterized by sudden appearance of red macules/spots and small elevations in the skin which slowly change into pustules. Very, very painful. New lesions appear at sites of injury, called the Koebner phenomenon.

PUSTULAR PSORIASIS

Pustular psoriasis is characterized by sudden appearance of red macules/spots and small elevations in the skin which slowly change into pustules. Very, very painful. New lesions appear at sites of injury, called the Koebner phenomenon.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is commonly found in about 6-7% of patients with psoriasis. Importantly, arthritis may precede the appearance of psoriatic skin changes in some. The involvement of joints is most commonly asymmetric, with many joints involved, and mainly small joints, such as the hand and fingers. A swollen, thick digit is common, termed a 'sausage finger.'

PSORIASIS TREATMENTS

Topical Steroids

 

Link to New Psoriasis Treatments

Psoriasis Treatments These include the new monoclonal agents and immune suppressors.