Pathology Part 2 Flashcards
Psoriasis
A chronic autoimmune condition that causes recurrent symptoms of psoriatic skin lesions. There is a large variation in how severely patients are affected with psoriasis.
Psoriasis subtypes
- plaque psoriasis:
- flexural psoriasis
- guttate psoriasis
- pustular psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis features
The most common sub-type resulting in the typical well-demarcated red, scaly patches affecting the extensor surfaces, sacrum and scalp.
Flexural psoriasis features
In contrast to plaque psoriasis the skin is smooth
Guttate psoriasis features
Transient psoriatic rash frequently triggered by a streptococcal infection. Multiple red, teardrop lesions appear on the body
Pustular psoriasis features
Commonly occurs on the palms and soles
General features of Psoriasis
- Nail signs: pitting, onycholysis
- Arthritis
- Well demarcated red scaly plaques
What drugs make psoriasis worse?
- Lithium
- Anti-malarials
- Beta-blockers
Complications of psoriasis
> psoriatic arthropathy
increased incidence of metabolic syndrome
increased incidence of cardiovascular disease
increased incidence of venous thromboembolism
psychological distress
Auspitz sign
Psoriasis - refers to small points of bleeding when plaques are scraped off
Koebner phenomenon
Psoriasis - Refers to the development of psoriatic lesions to areas of skin affected by trauma - typically sternum
Second line treatment for chronic plaque psoriasis
Second-line: if no improvement after 8 weeks then offer: a vitamin D analogue twice daily
First line treatment for chronic plaque psoriasis
A potent corticosteroid applied once daily plus vitamin D analogue
Applied once daily should be applied separately, one in the morning and the other in the evening) for up to 4 weeks as initial treatment
Third line treatment for chronic plaque psoriasis
Third-line: if no improvement after 8-12 weeks then offer either: a potent corticosteroid applied twice daily for up to 4 weeks, or a coal tar preparation applied once or twice daily
Secondary management for plaque psoriasis (in secondary care)
- oral methotrexate is used first-line.
- ciclosporin
- systemic retinoids
- biological agents: e.g infliximab, etanercept and
Plaque psoriasis management
The use of potent topical corticosteroids used once daily for 4 weeks
If no improvement after 4 weeks then either use a different formulation of the potent corticosteroid (for example, a shampoo or mousse) and/or a topical agents to remove adherent scale (for example, agents containing salicylic acid, emollients and oils) before application of the potent corticosteroid
Face, flexural and genital psoriasis management
A mild or moderate potency corticosteroid applied once or twice daily for a maximum of 2 weeks
Vitamin D analogues examples
Calcipotriol (Dovonex), calcitriol and tacalcitol
Dithranol mechanism of action
> Vitamin D analogue - inhibits DNA synthesis
wash off after 30 mins
adverse effects include burning, staining
Uriticaria
o Cutaneous swellings or weals developing acutely over minutes
o Last between minutes and hours before resolving
o Flesh-colored or erythematous
Angioedema
o Oedema around the eyes, lips and hands
o Non-itchy
Treatment for Uriticaria and Angio-oedema
- Avoid salicylates and opiates (as they can degranulate mast cells)
- Oral antihistamines are most useful in treating idiopathic cases
Why are salicylates and opiates avoided in Uriticaria and Angio-oedema?
Avoid salicylates e.g aspirin and opiates (as they can degranulate mast cells)
What drugs cause urticaria?
- aspirin
- penicillins
- NSAIDs
- opiates