psoriasis

Question 1

Front

Answer 1

Back

Question 2

What is psoriasis?

Answer 2

A chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease characterized by red, scaly plaques.

Question 3

What are the common types of psoriasis?

Answer 3

Plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular, and erythrodermic.

Question 4

Which type of psoriasis is most common?

Answer 4

Plaque psoriasis.

Question 5

What are the common sites for plaque psoriasis?

Answer 5

Elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.

Question 6

What is Auspitz sign?

Answer 6

Pinpoint bleeding when psoriasis scales are scraped off.

Question 7

What is Koebner phenomenon?

Answer 7

Development of psoriatic lesions at the site of skin trauma.

Question 8

What is the pathogenesis of psoriasis?

Answer 8

Involves genetic predisposition and immune system dysregulation, especially T-cell activation.

Question 9

Which cytokines play a key role in psoriasis?

Answer 9

TNF-α, IL-17, IL-23.

Question 10

What are comorbidities associated with psoriasis?

Answer 10

Psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, depression.

Question 11

What nail changes are seen in psoriasis?

Answer 11

Pitting, onycholysis, subungual hyperkeratosis.

Question 12

What triggers can worsen psoriasis?

Answer 12

Stress, infections, trauma, certain medications, alcohol, smoking.

Question 13

What is guttate psoriasis?

Answer 13

Sudden onset of small, drop-like papules often following a streptococcal infection.

Question 14

What is inverse psoriasis?

Answer 14

Smooth, shiny lesions in body folds such as the groin, armpits, and under breasts.

Question 15

What is pustular psoriasis?

Answer 15

Presence of sterile pustules; can be localized (palms/soles) or generalized.

Question 16

What is erythrodermic psoriasis?

Answer 16

Severe, generalized redness and scaling that can be life-threatening.

Question 17

What is psoriatic arthritis?

Answer 17

A seronegative arthritis associated with psoriasis, affecting joints and entheses.

Question 18

Which test helps diagnose psoriatic arthritis?

Answer 18

CASPAR criteria (Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis).

Question 19

What is the typical age of onset for psoriasis?

Answer 19

Two peaks: 15-30 years and 50-60 years.

Question 20

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

Answer 20

Mainly clinical; biopsy if uncertain.

Question 21

What histological features are seen in psoriasis?

Answer 21

Hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, acanthosis, Munro microabscesses.

Question 22

What is the role of keratinocytes in psoriasis?

Answer 22

Hyperproliferation and abnormal differentiation contribute to scaling.

Question 23

Which HLA allele is strongly associated with psoriasis?

Answer 23

HLA-Cw6.

Question 24

What are Munro microabscesses?

Answer 24

Collections of neutrophils in the stratum corneum.

Question 25

What are common topical treatments for psoriasis?

Answer 25

Corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, tars, calcineurin inhibitors.

Question 26

What are common systemic treatments for psoriasis?

Answer 26

Methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin.

Question 27

What biologics are used for psoriasis?

Answer 27

TNF inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, IL-12/23 inhibitors.

Question 28

What is PASI?

Answer 28

Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, a scoring system for disease severity.

Question 29

What lifestyle changes help manage psoriasis?

Answer 29

Avoid smoking and alcohol, maintain healthy weight, stress reduction.

Question 30

Can psoriasis affect quality of life?

Answer 30

Yes, it significantly impacts emotional and social well-being.

Question 31

What is scalp psoriasis?

Answer 31

Psoriasis involving the scalp, often with thick silvery scales.

Question 32

What is nail psoriasis?

Answer 32

Involvement of nails showing pitting, thickening, or detachment.

Question 33

What is palmoplantar psoriasis?

Answer 33

Psoriasis affecting palms and soles, often painful and disabling.

Question 34

What infections can trigger guttate psoriasis?

Answer 34

Streptococcal throat infections.

Question 35

Is psoriasis contagious?

Answer 35

No, psoriasis is not infectious.

Question 36

What is the relationship between psoriasis and metabolic syndrome?

Answer 36

Psoriasis is associated with increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.

Question 37

What is phototherapy in psoriasis?

Answer 37

Treatment using UVB or PUVA light to reduce inflammation and scaling.

Question 38

How does methotrexate help in psoriasis?

Answer 38

Immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects via folate inhibition.

Question 39

What are contraindications to biologics in psoriasis?

Answer 39

Active infections, malignancy, demyelinating disease.

Question 40

What are side effects of topical steroids?

Answer 40

Skin thinning, striae, tachyphylaxis, perioral dermatitis.

Question 41

What is the rebound phenomenon in psoriasis?

Answer 41

Flare-up of disease after stopping systemic steroids.

Question 42

What is the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in psoriasis?

Answer 42

To manage comorbidities and improve quality of life.

Question 43

What psychological issues are common in psoriasis?

Answer 43

Depression, anxiety, social withdrawal.

Question 44

How does obesity affect psoriasis?

Answer 44

Increases severity and reduces treatment response.

Question 45

What dietary habits are recommended for psoriasis patients?

Answer 45

Anti-inflammatory diet, weight control, limited alcohol.

Question 46

What is the difference between psoriasis and eczema?

Answer 46

Psoriasis has well-demarcated plaques with silvery scale; eczema is more vesicular and itchy.

Question 47

What is the risk of cardiovascular disease in psoriasis?

Answer 47

Increased due to chronic inflammation.

Question 48

What is the nail pitting in psoriasis due to?

Answer 48

Focal defects in nail matrix keratinization.

Question 49

How often should psoriasis patients be monitored?

Answer 49

Regular follow-up depending on severity and treatment.

Question 50

What is acitretin used for?

Answer 50

Oral retinoid for pustular or erythrodermic psoriasis.

Question 51

How does IL-17 contribute to psoriasis?

Answer 51

Promotes keratinocyte proliferation and inflammation.

Question 52

Why is patient education important in psoriasis?

Answer 52

Improves adherence and empowers self-management.

Question 53

What are emollients used for in psoriasis?

Answer 53

To reduce scaling, dryness, and enhance topical drug absorption.