Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

A - MSRA - Dermatology [3] > Psoriasis > Flashcards

Psoriasis Flashcards

1
Q

What is psoriasis?

A

A long-lasting autoimmune disease characterised by abnormal patches of skin that are typically red, itchy, and scaly

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

How severe is psoriasis?

A

It varies in severity, from small localised patches, to complete body coverage which can have a major impact on quality of life

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Describe the course of psoriasis?

A

The disease involves periods of improvement and then flare ups

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

At what age can people develop psoriasis?

A

It can affect anyone, but most commonly affects adults under 35 years old

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is psoriasis characterised by?

A

Abnormally excessive and rapid growth of the epidermal skin layer

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What does the abnormally excessive and rapid growth of the epidermal basal layer cause in psoriasis?

A

Gross thickening of the prickle-cell layer and production of excessive stratum corneum

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How quickly are skin cells replaced in psoriasis?

A

Every 3-5 days,compared to the normal 28-30 days

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the mechanism of disease in psoriasis?

A

The exact mechanism is unknown, however these changes are belived to stem from premature maturation of keratinocytes induced by an inflammatory cascade the dermis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the role of genetics in psoriasis?

A

Psoriasis runs in families, with 1 in 3 people with psoriasis having a close relative with the condition, however the exact role genetics plays is unclear. It is likely that a combination of genes contributes to an increased vulnerability to the condition

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

How are triggers importantto psoriasis?

A

Most people’s psoriasis symptoms start or become worse because of a trigger

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Why is it important that patients know their triggers?

A

As this can help prevent a flare up

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are the common triggers of psoriasis?

A 
Injury to the skin	
Excessive alcohol intake	
Smoking	
Stress	
Hormonal changes, particularly during puberty or menopause	
Certain medications	
Throat infections	
Other immune disorders, such as HIV
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is psoriasis developing as a result of injury to the skin known as?

A

Koebner response

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What medications can trigger psoriasis?

A 
Lithium	
Some anti-malarials
NSAIDs	
ACE inhibitors	
Beta blockers
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are the main types of psoriasis?

A 
Plaque psoriasis (Psoriasis vulgaris)
Pustular psoriasis	
Guttate psoriasis	
Erythrodermic psoriasis
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Can different forms of psoriasis co-exist?

A

Yes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the most common form of psoriasis?

A

Plaque psoriasis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What % of cases of psoriasis are plaque psoriasis?

A

About 80%

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Describe the ‘plaques’ in plaque psoriasis

A

They are dry, red skin lesions, which are covered in silver scales. They can be itchy and/or sore

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Where do the plaques in plaque psoriasis appear?

A

They normally appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, however can be anywhere on the bodyThey usually do not appear on the face

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What might happen in severe plaque psoriasis?

A

The skin around the joints may crack and bleed

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

On what basis does the extent of the rash vary in plaque psoriasis?

A

Varies between different people, and can vary from time to time in the same person

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

How severe is plaque psoriasis?

A

It varies - some people may have just a few small plaques of a cm or so, but some people have a more widespread rash with large plaques

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What are the variations of plaque psoriasis?

A

Scalp psoriasis

Flexural psoriasis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Where does flexural psoriasis occur?
In the creases of the skin, such as the armpit, groin, under breasts, and in skin folds
26
Describe the affected skin appear in flexural psoriasis
Looks red and inflamed, but is smooth and does not have rough scaling
27
What makes flexural psoriasis worse?
Friction and sweating, so can be particularly uncomfortable in hot weather
28
What is pustular psoriasis?
A rarer type of plaque psoriasis that causes pus-filled blisters to appear on the skin
29
Does the pus indicate infection in pustular psoriasis?
No, it is not infectious
30
Describe the skin around the pustules in pustular psoriasis?
It is usually red and tender
31
What are the different types of pustular psoriasis?
Generalised pustular psoriasis Palmar pustular psoriasis Acropustulosis  
32
What does generalised pustular psoriasis cause? 
Pustules to develop on a wide area of skin
33
Describe the course of pustular psoriasis
It can develop very quickly, and may reappear every few days or weeks in a cycle
34
What can generalised pustular psoriasis cause during the start of the cycle? 
``` Fever Chills Weight loss Fatigue   ```
35
What does palmar pustular psoriasis cause? 
Pustules to appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
36
Describe the course of palmar pustular psoriasis
The pustules gradually develop into circular brown, scaly spots, which then peel off. They may reappear every few days or weeks 
37
What does acropustulosis cause? 
Pustules to appear on the fingers and toes 
38
What happens after the development of pustules in acropustulosis? 
They burst, leaving bright red areas that may ooze or become scaly 
39
Other than pustules, what can acropustulosis cause? 
Painful nail deformities 
40
What happens in guttate psoriasis? 
Small (less than 1cm) round/oval plaques of psorasis develop over many areas of the body
41
What does guttate psoriasis normally occur following? 
An infectious sore throat
42
How long does guttate psoriasis last? 
It usually lasts a few weeks, however can last up to 3-4 months 
43
What does guttate psoriasis sometimes develop into? 
Plaque psoriasis 
44
What proportion of people with any type of psoriasis will also have fingernail symptoms? 
About half 
45
What is affected in addition to the fingernails in some people? 
Toenails 
46
Can nail psoriasis occur alone, without the skin rash? 
Yes 
47
What can nail psoriasis cause? 
``` Development of tiny dents/pits Discolouration  Abnormal growth  Nail to become loose and seperate from the nail bed  Crumbling of nails in severe cases   ```
48
What is erythrodermic psoriasis? 
A rare form that affects nearly all of the skin of the body, which can cause intense itching or burning 
49
What management does erythrodermic psoriasis require? 
Urgent hospital treatment 
50
Why does erythrodermic psoriasis require urgent hospital admission? 
Because it can cause the loss of proteins and fluid, causing further problems such as infection, dehydration, heart failure, hypothermia, and malnutrition 
51
How is a diagnosis of psoriasis made? 
Psoriasis is usually a clinical diagnosis, and no tests are needed Occassionally, a biopsy can be taken when there is doubt about the diagnosis
52
What does assessment need to be made regarding in any patient with any type of psorasis? 
Disease severity  Impact of the disease on physical, psychological, and social wellbeing The potential presence of psoriatic arthritis Presence of co-morbidities   
53
How often should assessment for psoriatic arthritis be made? 
Annually, especially within the first 10 years of diagnosis 
54
What should be identified and managed in adults with severe psoriasis? 
Cardiovascular risk factors
55
What is the management of psoriasis determined by? 
The type and severity, as well as the area of skin affected 
56
What are the categories of treatment in psoriasis? 
Topical  Phototherapy Systemic
57
What is the first line treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis? 
Topical treatments 
58
How effective are topical treatments for mild to moderate psoriasis? 
Some people find they are sufficient for control 
59
How long might topical treatments take to work in psoriasis? 
Up to 6 weeks 
60
What should be done if topical therapy alone is unlikely to control the psoriasis? 
You should offer second- or third-line treatment options at the same time as topical therapy
61
What are the second- and third-line treatment options after topical treatments? 
Phototherapy or systemic therapy
62
Give two examples of why topical therapy alone is unlikely to control the disease? 
If there is extensive disease If topical therapy is known to be ineffective in that part of the body, e.g. nail disease   
63
What are the topical treatments that can be used in psoriasis? 
Emollients Topical corticosteroids Vitamin D analogues Calcineurin inhibitors   
64
What are emollients? 
Moisturising treatments applied directly to the skin 
65
What is the point in emollients? 
To reduce water loss and cover the skin with a protective film
66
What are the main benefits of emollients? 
Reduction in itching and scaling Some topical treatments are thought to work better on moisturised skin   
67
What are topical corticosteroids commonly used for in psoriasis? 
To treat mild to moderate psoriasis in most areas of the body 
68
How do topical corticosteroids work in psoriasis? 
They reduce inflammation, which slows the production of skin cells and reduces itching
69
What might continuous use of potent corticosteroids cause in psoriasis? 
Irreversible skin atrophy and striae Psoriasis to become unstable Systemic side effects   
70
When might potent topical corticosteroids cause systemic side effects? 
If applied continuously to extensive psoriasis
71
What should patients be made aware of when starting topical corticosteroids? 
The risk and benefits
72
How long can very potent corticosteroids be used for at any site? 
No longer than 4 weeks 
73
How long can potent corticosteroids be used for at any site? 
No longer than 8 weeks

A - MSRA - Dermatology [3] (28 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions