Psoriasis: Causes and Pathophysiology
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Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic feature of psoriasis related to skin changes?

  • Hyperplasia of keratinocytes (correct)
  • Decrease in local immune activity
  • Increased production of collagen
  • Vasodilation of blood vessels

How can psychological stress impact psoriasis?

  • It promotes collagen production.
  • It triggers the release of cortisol. (correct)
  • It decreases keratinocyte activity.
  • It makes psoriasis less severe.

Which of the following diseases is NOT transmissible?

  • Eczema
  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Psoriasis (correct)
  • Strep throat

What joint symptoms are associated with psoriatic arthritis?

<p>Joint stiffness and swelling (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor is considered a modifiable risk factor for psoriasis?

<p>Alcohol consumption (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of psoriasis is often triggered by strep throat infection?

<p>Guttate psoriasis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of increased adipose tissue in people with psoriasis?

<p>Increased production of inflammatory cytokines (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cytokines are primarily involved in the pathophysiology of psoriasis?

<p>TNF-α, IL-17, IL-23 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of psoriasis?

<p>Genetic and immune system dysfunction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common environmental trigger for psoriasis?

<p>Stress (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does psoriasis primarily affect the skin?

<p>It leads to the formation of scaly, thick, silver plaques. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical time for keratinocytes to fully mature in healthy skin?

<p>26-30 days (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do T-cells play in the pathology of psoriasis?

<p>They mistakenly attack healthy keratinocytes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cytokines are primarily involved in the inflammatory process of psoriasis?

<p>IL-12, IL-23, IL-17, TNF-α (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Koebner phenomenon in the context of psoriasis?

<p>Exacerbation of psoriasis at sites of skin injury (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How quickly do keratinocytes proliferate in psoriasis compared to normal skin?

<p>Approximately four to five times faster than normal skin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by scaly, thick, silver plaques, often appearing on the scalp, elbows, and knees. It's caused by an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells.

What is the root cause of psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where T-cells overreact and attack healthy skin cells called keratinocytes.

How do cytokines contribute to psoriasis?

The immune system releases inflammatory chemicals called cytokines, which cause increased production and buildup of keratinocytes, leading to the characteristic plaque formation.

Is psoriasis contagious?

Psoriasis is not contagious, meaning it cannot be spread through contact.

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What role do genes play in psoriasis?

Certain genes increase the risk of developing psoriasis, making it more common in individuals with a family history.

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What are some environmental triggers for psoriasis?

External triggers like stress, infections, skin injuries, and certain medications can exacerbate or trigger psoriasis.

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What is the Koebner phenomenon?

The Koebner phenomenon refers to the development of psoriasis lesions at the site of skin injury, like scratches or cuts.

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Is psoriasis curable?

Psoriasis is a chronic condition, meaning it can have periods of flare-ups and remissions. It cannot be cured, but managed through various treatment options.

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Psoriasis

A chronic autoimmune disease characterized by an overactive immune system attacking the skin, leading to red, scaly patches called plaques.

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Inflammation in Psoriasis

T cells, neutrophils, and other immune cells infiltrate the skin, releasing inflammatory chemicals (cytokines and chemokines), attracting more immune cells to the area, resulting in inflammation.

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Hyperplasia in Psoriasis

Rapid growth of keratinocytes, resulting in abnormally thick layers of skin, forming the visible plaques and scales characteristic of psoriasis.

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Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriasis affecting the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.

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Psoriasis Transmission

Psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person through physical contact.

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Genetic Predisposition in Psoriasis

Family history of psoriasis increases the risk of developing the condition.

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Stress as a Trigger for Psoriasis

Psychological stress can trigger the release of cortisol, which can worsen psoriasis symptoms.

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Infections as Triggers for Psoriasis

Infections like strep throat can trigger a psoriasis flare-up.

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Study Notes

Psoriasis

  • Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious autoimmune disease affecting skin, nails, and sometimes joints (psoriatic arthritis).
  • Characterized by scaly, thick, silver plaques, typically on scalp, elbows, and knees.

Cause

  • Likely Cause: Genetic factors and immune system dysfunction.
  • Autoimmune process: T-cells mistakenly attack healthy keratinocytes, leading to rapid skin cell turnover and inflammation.
  • Causes inflammation: T-cells become activated and release cytokines.
  • Genetic Factors: Family history increases risk.
  • Environmental Factors: Stress, infections (e.g., strep throat), skin injury (Koebner phenomenon), and medications (like lithium, beta-blockers).

Pathophysiology

  • Multifactorial: Involves the immune system, genetic predisposition, and environmental triggers.
  • Immune System Activation: Dendritic cells (DCs) activate T cells (Th1 and Th17). Activated T cells release cytokines (TNF-α, IL-17, IL-23) which recruit more immune cells and activate keratinocytes.
  • Keratinocyte Hyperproliferation: Cytokines increase keratinocyte production, reducing normal maturation time (26-30 days to 3-4 days).
  • Inflammation: Accumulation of immature keratinocytes on the surface forms scaly, silvery plaques.
  • Immune Cell Infiltration: T cells, neutrophils, cytokines, and chemokines increase local inflammation, attracting more immune cells leading to thickened skin plaques.

Disease Transmission

  • Not transmissible.
  • Not an infection.

Risk Factors:

  • Non-Modifiable Risks: Genetics, family history, and age (early-onset 16-22 years, late-onset 57-60 years).
  • Modifiable Risks:
    • Stress
    • Infections
    • Skin injury
    • Certain medications (beta-blockers, antimalarials, lithium).
    • Smoking
    • Alcohol consumption
    • Obesity

Clinical Manifestations

  • Plaques: Well-defined, erythematous plaques with silvery-white scales on scalp, elbows, knees, and extensor surfaces.
  • Pruritus (itching): Common symptom.
  • Koebner phenomenon: New plaques develop at sites of skin trauma (e.g., cuts, burns).
  • Nail changes: Pitting, discoloration, and onycholysis (separation of the nail from the nail bed)
  • Psoriatic Arthritis: Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness (occurs in ~30% of those with psoriasis).

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Integumentary - Psoriasis Midterm Notes PDF

Description

This quiz explores the chronic autoimmune disease known as psoriasis, detailing its causes, symptoms, and underlying pathophysiological processes. Learn about the genetic and environmental factors contributing to this condition and how the immune system plays a critical role in its manifestation.

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