Psoriasis Flashcards
What is psoriasis?
AI condition characterised by hyper proliferation of keratinocytes
What is the aetiology of psoriasis?
UNKNOWN
Genetic, environmental factors + drugs are implicated
Give a risk factor for guttate psoriasis
Streptococcal sore throat
Describe the epidemiology of psoriasis
Affects 1-2% of population
Peak age of onset: 20 yrs
List symptoms of psoriasis
Itching + occasionally tender skin
Describe plaque psoriasis
Symmetrical, well-demarcated erythematous plaques with silvery/purple scales
Extensor surfaces (knee, elbows, scalp, sacrum)
Dry, flaky skin
What are the 5 sub-types of psoriasis?
Plaque Guttate Pustular/ Palmo-plantar Flexural Erythrodermic: systemic body redness + inflammation
Give risk factors for palmoplantar psoriasis
Smoking
Middle-aged women
AI thyroid disease
Give risk factors for generalised pustular psoriasis
Hypoparathyroidism
Give 2 general risk factors for psoriasis
PMH of psoriasis
FH of psoriasis
List 3 triggers of psoriasis
Stress
Smoking
Alcohol
What is psoriatic arthritis?
Symmetrical poly arthritis
Describe guttate psoriasis
small drop-like lesions over trunk + limbs
Describe pustular psoriasis
erythematous plaques with pustules on palms + soles
Describe flexural psoriasis
less scaly plaques in axilla, groins, perianal + genital
List 3 nail signs that may present in psoriasis
Pitting
Onycholysis
Subungual hyperkeratosis
What 2 phenomenon may occur in psoriasis?
Auspitz: Pinpoint bleeding with removing scales
Koebner: New skin lesions on previously unaffected skin secondary to trauma
What investigations are performed in psoriasis?
Most pts DO NOT need investigations
Nail clipping analysis for onychomycosis (fungal infection)
Joint involvement analysed by checking for rheumatoid factor and radiographs
What investigations may be performed in psoriasis?
Most pts DONT need ix
Nail clipping analysis for onychomycosis (fungal infection)
Joint involvement analysed by checking for rheumatoid factor + radiographs
What investigations may be performed in flexural psoriasis ?
Skin swabs to exclude candidiasis
What investigations may be performed in flexural psoriasis ?
Skin swabs to exclude candidiasis
Give 4 differentials for onycholysis
Psoriasis
Hyperthyroidism
Fungal infection
Trauma