Psoriasis

Question 1

Describe psoriasis in terms of:

• Explanation and skin lesions (3)
• Who it affects
• What its causes are

Answer 1

Explanation:
• Skin cells grow at an abnormally fast rate causing the build up of psoriasis lesions

Skin lesions:

• Raised
• Red
• Scaly patches

Who it affects:
• Equally as many men as women
• All ethnic groups (higher in Caucasians)

Causes:
• Immune system
• Genetics

Question 2

List the 5 types of psoriasis

Answer 2

• Plaque Psoriasis
• Guttate
• Inverse
• Pustular
• Erythrodermic (rare)

Question 3

List the oral signs and symptoms for psoriasis:

• Inside cheeks (6)
• Other conditions (3)

Answer 3

Inside cheeks
• Patches of red skin with yellow or white edge
• Sores
• Peeling of the gingiva
• Pustules
• Pain or burning, especially when eating spicy foods
• Taste changes

Oral psoriasis may be linked with other conditions:
• Fissured tongue
• Geographic tongue
• Inflamed gingiva