Psoriasis

Question 1

What is psoriasis?

Answer 1

A chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by scaly erythematous plaques, which follow a relapsing and remitting course.

Question 2

What are risk factors for psoriasis?

Answer 2

Genetics

Local trauma

Stress

Question 3

What are types of psoriasis?

Answer 3

Plaque (most common - extensors)

Guttate (small ones on trunk, strep throat)

Pustular (yellow brown on soles)

Erythrodermic

Flexural

Palmar/plantar

Question 4

What are Sx of psoriasis?

Answer 4

Skin: well defined plaques, red base with silver scale, come and go

Nail changes: Pitting, onycholysis (separation from nail bed), thickening, and subungual hyperkeratosis

Psoriatic arthropathy

Question 5

What are DDx for psoriasis?

Answer 5

• Eczema
	• Tinea 
	• Seborrhoeic dermatitis 
	• SLE
	• Pityriasis rosea 
	• Squamous cell cancer 
Lichen planus

Question 6

What is treatment for psoriasis?

Answer 6

Topical moisturiser, steroids (Betnovate), vitamin D e.g. calcipotrol

Mod - severe: UV phototherapy and systemic immunosuppression e.g. methotrexate, ciclosporin, biologics , oral retinoid e.g. acitretin

Question 7

What are complications of psoriasis?

Answer 7

• Psoriatic arthritis
  
  • Cardiovascular: MI and stroke
  • Depression
  • Lymphoma