psoriasis

Question 1

what is psoriasis?

Answer 1

-autoimmune inflammatory response against keratinocytes causes increased epidermal turnover

Question 2

what would a biopsy of psoriasis show?

Answer 2

-neutrophilic abscesses (Munro microabsceses) and hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis

Question 3

how does psoriasis present?

Answer 3

• pink, scaly, well demarcated plaques affecting extensor surfaces
• demonstrate Koebner phonemenon (arise on sites of trauma)

Nails: pitting oncholysis, sublingual hyperkeratosis

Joints: psoriatic arthritis

Question 4

what are the psoriasis subtypes?

Answer 4

• guttate
• palmoplantar pustulosis
• erythrodermic

Question 5

what is management of psoriasis?

Answer 5

Topical: vitamin D analogue (calcipotriol)

Phototherapy: narrow band UVB

Systemic therapy: methotrexate, ciclosporin, acitretin