Psoriasis

Question 1

Are psoriasis lesions more commonly on flexor or extensor surfaces?

Answer 1

Extensor

Question 2

An acute guttate psoriasis attack may be provoked by what?

Answer 2

Group A streptococcal sore throat

Question 3

What drugs can exacerbate psoriasis?

Answer 3

Antimalarials
B-blockers
Alcohol
Lithium

Question 4

Give 3 complications of psoriasis?

Answer 4

Arthritis
Pustular psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis

Question 5

Psoriatic plaques are characterised by the dual pathological features of what?

Answer 5

Epidermal proliferation and cutaneous inflammation

Question 6

Name 4 common subtypes of psoriasis?

Answer 6

Chronic plaque psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis

Question 7

What might the differential diagnosis for guttate psoriasis be?

Answer 7

Secondary syphilis

Pityriasis rosea

Question 8

What investigation should be performed for psoriasis?

Answer 8

Skin biopsy

Question 9

What does a psoriasis skin biopsy show?

Answer 9

Irregular epidermal hyperplasia
Suprapapillary thinning
Clubbing of rete pegs
Leukocyte infiltration
Epidermal pustulosis

Question 10

Methotrexate can cause damage to which organ?

Answer 10

Liver - hepatotoxic

Question 11

Cyclosporin can cause damage to which organ?

Answer 11

Kidneys - nephrotoxic

Question 12

Before a patient is given biologics what must they be screened for?

Answer 12

Tuberculosis
Hepatitis
HIV

Question 13

What are the triad of symptoms in reactive arthritis (Reiter’s syndrome)?

Answer 13

Arthritis
Urethritis
Conjunctivitis

Question 14

What are the skin changes present in reactive arthritis?

Answer 14

1. Skin lesions similar to psoriasis

2. Thickened yellow palms and soles with a cobblestone appearance and involvement of the penis (circinate balanitis)