Psoriasis

Psoriatic lesions are red, inflamed, silvery-white scaly, and circumscribed papules and plaques; often affecting elbows, knees, extensor limbs, and scalp, and, less commonly, nails, ear, and umbilical region.

Psoriasis is a multifactorial disease with a genetic basis. Exacerbations of disease may be related to infection, alcohol, medications, stress, and intercurrent illness.

Diagnosis is usually clinical.

Mild or limited psoriasis is treated with topical corticosteroids and/or vitamin D analogs.

Moderate to severe and/or extensive psoriasis may require phototherapy, and systemic agents such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin, or biologic agents.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by erythematous, circumscribed scaly papules and plaques. It can cause itching, irritation, burning, and stinging. Although approximately 30% of people with cutaneous psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis, this topic only discusses cutaneous psoriasis.[1]Mease PJ, Gladman DD, Papp KA, et al. Prevalence of rheumatologist-diagnosed psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis in European/North American dermatology clinics. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2013 Nov;69(5):729-35. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23981683?tool=bestpractice.com