Psoriasis Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is psoriasis?
A chronic autoimmune condition causing recurrent symptoms of psoriatic skin lesions
Psoriasis involves rapid skin cell generation and abnormal build-up.
Describe the appearance of psoriatic patches.
Dry, flaky, scaly, raised, and rough plaques
Commonly found over extensor surfaces of elbows, knees, and scalp.
What causes the skin changes in psoriasis?
Rapid generation of new skin cells leading to abnormal build-up and thickening of skin
This results in the characteristic lesions seen in psoriasis.
What is plaque psoriasis?
Thickened, red patches with silver scales, commonly on extensors and scalp, plaques 1-10cm
Most common form of psoriasis in adults.
What characterizes guttate psoriasis?
Small raised papules across trunk and limbs, often triggered by streptococcal throat infection, stress, or medications
It often resolves spontaneously in 3-4 months.
What is pustular psoriasis?
Rare severe form with pustules under red skin; pus is not infectious
Patients may be systemically unwell and it is treated as a medical emergency.
What defines erythrodermic psoriasis?
Extensive red inflamed areas covering most of the skin surface, with large patches of exfoliation
It is also treated as a medical emergency.
What is the Auspitz sign?
Small points of bleeding when plaques are scraped off
It is one of the psoriasis-specific signs.
What does the Koebner phenomenon refer to?
Development of psoriatic lesions in areas of skin trauma
It is a clinical feature associated with psoriasis.
How is psoriasis diagnosed?
Through clinical presentation
Diagnosis typically does not require laboratory tests.
List some management options for psoriasis.
- Topical steroids
- Topical vitamin D analogues (e.g. calcipotriol)
- Topical dithranol
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors (e.g. tacrolimus)
- Phototherapy
These treatments aim to reduce symptoms and manage flare-ups.
What are common nail psoriasis features?
- Pitting
- Thickening
- Discolouration
- Ridging
- Onycholysis
Nail psoriasis can be a significant aspect of the condition.
What is a common association with psoriasis?
Psoriatic arthritis
This condition affects the joints and can occur alongside skin psoriasis.
True or False: Psoriasis has no psychosocial implications.
False
Psoriasis can significantly impact a patient’s mental health and social interactions.
