psoriasis

Question 1

how does psoriasis look clinically and where does it affect?

Answer 1

well-defined itchy red papules and plaques
scalp, extensor surfaces, sacrum

Question 2

what causes psoriasis?

Answer 2

genetics + environment

Question 3

what are the signs of psoriasis?

Answer 3

pin-prick bleeding (dilated capillaries) - Auspitz’s sign
develops at site of trauma - Koebner phenomenon
acanthosis, rete-ridge elongation, absent granular layer
parakeratosis (nuclei in stratum corneum)

Question 4

what is psoriasis linked with?

Answer 4

arthritis
nails - onycholysis, pitting
metabolic syndromes

Question 5

what is psoriasis made worse by?

Answer 5

lithium
anti-malarials
beta blockers

Question 6

what are other types of psoriasis seen?

Answer 6

guttate - teardrop in young adults, after strep throat
palmoplantar - smokers, middle-aged women on palms and soles

Question 7

what is the management of psoriasis?

Answer 7

emollients
topical
- steroids
- vitamin D analogues - calcipotriol
- coal tar
UVB
immunosuppression