Psoriasis Overview and Treatment

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by an accelerated turnover of skin cells, leading to the formation of thick, scaly patches called plaques.

It is a complex disease involving immune system dysregulation, where T-cells play a key role in the inflammation.

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type. It presents as well-defined, raised, red plaques covered with silvery scales. These plaques are typically found on elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk.

Guttate psoriasis is characterized by small, drop-shaped lesions, often triggered by strep throat infection. It usually affects children and young adults.

Inverse psoriasis occurs in skin folds, such as the armpits and groin. It presents as smooth, red patches without scales, often triggered by friction or heat.

Pustular psoriasis is a rare but severe type characterized by pus-filled blisters. There are two forms: localized and generalized.

Erythrodermic psoriasis is the most severe form. It involves widespread redness, scaling, and shedding of the skin. This can lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalances.

Psoriasis is a multifactorial disease, meaning it is influenced by several factors. These include genetic predisposition, environmental factors, stress, infections, and medications.

A skin condition characterized by well-defined, raised, silvery-white scales on an inflamed base.

A phenomenon in which new psoriasis lesions appear at sites of injury or trauma.

Psoriasis affecting nail beds, causing characteristic changes like pitting (small indentations), onycholysis (nail separation) and thicker nail beds.

A rare type of psoriasis with small, scattered, drop-shaped lesions that appear rapidly in response to a bacterial infection, such as strep throat.

Psoriasis affecting the palms and soles, presenting as sterile pustules on a red base.

Psoriasis characterized by smooth and shiny skin in areas of skin folds, often lacking scaling.

A type of arthritis that can occur in people with psoriasis, affecting the joints with varying severity.

A microscopic change in the skin observed in psoriasis, characterized by a build-up of skin cells forming a 'parakeratosis' layer.

Characterized by abrupt onset, fever, tender skin lesions, and studded sterile pustules on an erythematous base, demanding immediate medical attention.

A dermatological emergency with potential life-threatening complications including fever, lethargy, dehydration, organ failure, sepsis, and even death.

Treatment involves immediate hospitalization, IV fluids, systemic medications to suppress the immune response, and management of any concurrent infections.

A severe form of psoriasis affecting more than 80% of the body surface, characterized by widespread redness, scaling, and shedding of the skin. It often leads to fluid and protein loss, hypothermia, and other systemic complications.

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a dermatological emergency, posing risks of fluid and protein loss, hypothermia, infections, and even shock.

Treatment involves topical medications to reduce scaling and inflammation, systemic medications to suppress the immune response, and phototherapy to slow the skin cell turnover rate.

A topical phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, FDA approved for adult plaque psoriasis.

An aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist, FDA approved for adult plaque psoriasis.

A type of psoriasis characterized by widespread redness, scaling, and shedding of the skin, often leading to fluid and electrolyte imbalances.

A type of psoriasis characterized by pus-filled blisters, which can be localized to certain areas or generalized to the whole body.

A type of psoriasis that affects the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. It can affect any joint, but it often affects the hands, feet, and spine.

A type of treatment that uses drugs to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation.

A group of powerful drugs that specifically target certain proteins involved in the inflammatory process in psoriasis, often leading to a better response than traditional treatments.

A type of biological therapy that uses monoclonal antibodies to target specific proteins that contribute to psoriasis development.

A newer generation of oral medications used for moderate to severe psoriasis that work by blocking the JAK enzyme, which plays a key role in inflammation.