Psoriasis Flashcards
What is the pathophysiology of psoriasis
multifactorial
genetic - HLA-B13,-B17 and -Cw6
both immunological and environmental factors contributing
What environmental factors can affect psoriasis and how does this work
skin, trauma and stress can worsen
streptococcal infection can trigger it
sunlight can improve it
What subtypes are there of psoriasis
plaque psoriasis
flexural psoriasis
guttate psoriasis
pustular psoriasis
What are clinical features of chronic plaque psoriasis
- around 90% of cases
characterised by
well demarcated erythematous plaques covered by silvery white scales commonly found over extensor surfaces
lesions are usually asymptomatic
What are clinical features of flexural psoriasis
skin is smooth and affet flexural regions
What are clinical features of guttate psoriasis
scaly raindrop plaques on trunk usually following streptococcal URTI strep
What are clinical features of pustular psoriasis
commonly occurs on the palms and soles
white coalescing pustules- can be localised and generalised
What are other diagnostic factors for psoriasis
joint swelling or pain - psoriatic arthritis
nail signs
What are risk factors
family history
infection
local trauma
medications
What investigations are required
clinical diagnosis
skin biopsy
What is management for chronic plaque psoriasis
potent corticosteroid and seperate vitamin D analogue
( CALCIPOTRIOL)
– if no improvement after 8 weeks - vit D analogue twice daily
– if no improvement after 8-12 weeks - corticosteroid twice daily or coal tar preparation
What is management for scalp psoriasis
potent topical corticosteroids
What is management for face, flexural and genital psoriasis
mild/moderate corticosteroid
What is used to quantify disease severity
psoriasis area and severity index
