Psoriasis Flashcards
Which areas of the body can psoriasis present
Skin - on extensor surfaces
Also the nails (dystrophy) and joints
What is the hallmark of psoriasis lesions
Inflammation
The lesion are itchy and scaly
Well defined
Often symmetrical
Are psoriasis plaques reversible
Yes
With effective treatment
What occurs when the keranocytes are under stress
They release factors that stimulate the release of interferons and interleukins
Chemical signals activate dendritic cells which migrate to the lymph nodes and activate T cells
List some topical treatments for psoriasis
Emollients are key Coal tar Vitamin D analogue Keratolytics Topical steroid
How is treatment chosen for psoriasis
Based on the site, extent, severity, side effects and compliance
Describe coal tar treatment
Thick formula of coal tar
Range from mild to strong crude tar
Effective
Messy and smelly - stains clothes etc
Describe vitamin d analogues (pros and cons)
Clean and easy to apply
Can be an irritant
Use limited to 100g per week
Describe dithranol treatment
Effective
Hard to use
Irritant
Stains skin
What treatments are used for scalp psoriasis
Greasy ointments used to soften scale
Tar shampoos
Steroids in base or shampoo
Vitamin D analogues
What are some possible pathogeneses for psoriasis
Epidermal hyperplasia
Hereditary factors - associated with certain HLA types
Trauma
Complement system attacks keratin layer
What is the Koebner phenomenon
When psoriasis lesions appear at sites of trauma
Cause unknown
What is guttate psoriasis
Lots of coin shaped/sized plaque all over
Common on trunk
What is Acute erythrodermic psoriasis
severe and dangerous form Affects the whole body Very inflamed Can lose a lot of electrolytes and fluids which leads to imbalance Patient will feel very unwell
What is Auspitz sign
Removal of surface scale reveals tiny bleeding points
This is because dermal papillae extend higher into the epidermis than usually – capillaries are closer to the surface
