Psoriasis Flashcards
what % of the population have psoriasis
2-3
aetiology of psoriasis
environmental factor in genetically susceptible individuals
what are the environmental triggers of psoriasis (4)
stress
infection eg HIV, resp tract infection
drugs eg beta blockers, lithium
tonic water (quinolone)
what 2 things aggravates psoriasis
smoking
drinking
what MSK condition is closely associated with psoriasis
rheumatoid arthritis
are T or B cells involved in the inflammatory process of psoriasis
T cells
increased T cells in psoriasis causes what other immune complex to increase
interleukins
high levels of interleukins causes AMP release to increase or decrease
increase
high levels of AMP in the skin cause which layer of the skin to thicken
keratin layer
is the overall immune response quick or delayed
delayed
parakeratosis is seen on histology in psoriasis patients, what does this mean
presence of nuclei in keratin layer
how does the keratin layer look in comparison to normal skin in psoriasis
thickened
what is guttate psoriasis
acute or chronic?
widespread or localised?
aetiology
acute
widespread
after recent antibiotic treatment
where does palmoplantar pustular psoriasis occur
soles of feet/palms of hands
is erythrodermic pustular psoriasis;
acute/chronic?
severe or not?
widespread/localised?
acute
v severe
covered top to toe
what is the presentation of psoriasis (4+location)
thin silver/salmon pink scaly plaques
itchy
erythroderma
elongation of rete ridges
location - extensor surfaces eg elbows, knees, buttocks, symmetrically
what is the koebner phenomenon
psoriasis in an area of previous skin trauma
what nail changes are associated with psoriasis (4)
pitting
onycholysis
white nails
subungal hyperkeratosis
what is onycholysis
when the nail lifts up from the nail bed
how does the PASI scoring system work
depending on % of skin covered
what is the cure for psoriasis
no cure, self limiting
what is the treatment for chronic psoriasis (7)
emollients - FIRST LINE vit D analogues coal tar (messy) dithranol steroid ointments (for face/groin/flexures) keratolytic immunosuppression (methotrexate)
what is a rare complication of psoriasis
plaques can turn into malignant squamous cell carcinoma
what does psoriasis increase risk of
cardiovascular disease
drugs that can aggravate/trigger psoriasis
beta blockers (eg propranolol) lithium
