Psoriasis Flashcards
What type of condition is it?
Chronic autoimmune
What does psoriasis typically look like and what is it caused by?
dry, flaky, scaly, faintly erythematous skin lesions that appear in raised and rough plaques, commonly over the extensor surfaces of the elbows and knees and on the scalp. These skin changes are caused by the rapid generation of new skin cells, resulting in an abnormal buildup and thickening of the skin in those areas.
Plaque psoriasis
Most common type for adults. 1-10cm slivery scaly plaques typically on the extensor surface and scalp.
Guttate Psoriasis
Children most commonly. Starts off as papules, cna be mildly red and scaly and can turn into plaques. Often triggered by Streptococcal Throat infection/meds/stress
Pustular psoriasis
Medical emergency, pus (non infectious) forms under the red areas of erythematous skin. Systemically unwell.
Erythrodermic psoriasis
Medical emergency - most of the body is covered with red inflamed areas. Large patches of skin coming away from the body.
Signs suggestive of psoriasis
Auspitz sign (bleeding where the plaque has been ripped off -the pain of autzpitz, bleeding = loss
Koebner phenomenon - Large patches of psoriasis due to trauma - knobbly knees having been knockd onb the floor (trauma)
Residual pigmentation, after the lesions have resolved.
Treatment of psoriasis
Topical steroids
Topical vitamin D analogues (calcipotriol)
Topical dithranol
Topical calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus) are usually only used in adults
Phototherapy with narrow band ultraviolet B light is particularly useful in extensive guttate psoriasis
Child with specialist:
Dovobet
Enstilar
WHat happens to the nails in a patient with psoriasis?
pitting, thickening, discolouration, ridging, onycholysis
Comorbidities associated with psoriasis
obesity, hyperlipidaemia, hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
