Psoriasis Flashcards
What is psoriasis
Hyperproliferation of keratinocytes
A chronic immune mediated disease
causes red flaky crusty patches of skin covered in silvery scales
Where is psoriasis usually found
On the extensors (blows, knees, arms, legs)
Causes of psoriasis
35-90% have a family history
Autoimmune condition
Cell cycle time
Usually 28 days, in psoriasis it renews every 3-5 days
What causes the red skin appearance
VEGF is secreted - causing new blood vessel formation to the skin
Skin presentation
Sharply demarcated plaques
Light skin - pink or purple
dark skin - dark brown or hyper pigmented
Comes with sterile pustules
What is koebner phenomenon
Psoriasis forming at the site of a scratch/injury (in a place that it wouldn’t usually form)
Types of psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis Guttate psoriasis Palmo-plantar psoriasis Flexural/inverse psoriasis Pustular psoriasis erythrodermic psoriasis
What is the management of Psoriasis
thick skin moisturisers vitamin D3 - slow keratinocyte proliferation topical steroids coal tar cream salicylic acid (to remove scale)
Care of psoriasis in secondary care
Oral retinoids - these are teratogenic
crude coal tar
What are triggers of psoriasis?
Family history Cold/Dry weather Infection (strep throat or HIV) Beta blockers Steroid withdrawal Anti malarial Lithium NSAIDs Stress Alcohol smoking
What is plaque psoriasis?
The most common type. Plaques form, usually on the extensor surfaces. Usually involves the scalp too. Symmetrical. Mostly in adults and chronic.
What is flexure psoriasis?
Plaques form on the flexors of the skin, they usually appear erythrodermic but have no scales (usually rubbed off).
Which other parts of the body are affected along with the skin?
Scalp
Nails
What is erythrodermic psoriasis?
AKA Skin failure
>80% of the skin is involved
Usually has systemic involvement
Medical emergency
