Psoriasis

Question 1

What is psoriasis?

Answer 1

Chronic immune mediated disease

Question 2

What is the pathophysiology of psoriasis?

Answer 2

Increased production of skin cells via autoimmune reaction

Cell cycle reduced from 28 to 5 days, –> build up of skin

Question 3

What are the types of psoriasis?

Answer 3

1= familial, common, early onset
2= related to other autoimmune conditions and environment, older onset

Question 4

What is the histology of psoriasis?

Answer 4

Hyperkeratosis
Dilated dermal capillaries
Neutrophils and T cell infiltration

Question 5

What are the features of psoriasis?

Answer 5

Sharply demarcated, circumscribed erythematous plaques- scaly white superficial layer
Erythematous
Often symmetric

Question 6

Where does psoriasis affect?

Answer 6

Extensor surfaces- elbows, knees
Scalp
Nail changes

Question 7

What are the types of psoriasis? 7

Answer 7

Chronic plaque
Guttate
Palmo-plantar
Scalp
Nail
Flexural/inverse
Pustular

Question 8

What is chronic plaque psoriasis?

Answer 8

Large salmon coloured plaques with thick scale

Question 9

Who is guttate psoriasis seen in?

Answer 9

Mainly children and young adults

Question 10

What is the appearance of guttate psoriasis?

Answer 10

Multiple pink papule wth fine scale

Question 11

What is the appearance of nail psoriasis?

Answer 11

Pitting and oil spots on nails

Question 12

What is the appearance of flexural/inverse psoriasis?

Answer 12

Less scaly

Skin pink-red sharply demarcated plaques

Question 13

What is a complication of psoriasis?

Answer 13

Erythrodermic psoriasis

Question 14

What is erythrodermic psoriasis?

Answer 14

Red man syndrome
>80% body covered
Erythematous with fine scale

Question 15

What is the management of psoriasis?

Answer 15

1. Topical emollient and vit D analogues
2. phototherapy
3. systemic medications
4. biologics

Question 16

What is the management of erythrodermic psoriasis?

Answer 16

Fluids and systemic treatment

Thick, greasy ointments/emollients