Psoriasis
Definition
Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease. It speeds up the life cycle of skin cells and cause scales and red patches. Psoriasis can come and go over time. There are several types of psoriasis:
- Plaque—patches of skin topped with silvery, white scales (most common)
- Guttate—small, dot-like lesions
- Pustular—weeping lesions and intense scaling
- Inverse—patches of skin in body folds such as armpits, groin, under breasts
- Erythrodermic—intense sloughing and inflammation of nearly the entire skin
PsoriasisCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Causes TOP
The cause of psoriasis is unclear. Signals from the immune system may cause the change in skin cells. The cells grow faster than they can be shed and pile up on the skin's surface. This pile up causes the patches.
Risk Factors TOP
Psoriasis may be more likely in those with one or more of the following:
- Family history of psoriasis
- Cold climates
- Certain bacterial infections
- Certain medications such as beta blockers, tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors, and lithium
- Smoking
- Skin injury
- Suppression of the immune system
Symptoms TOP
The red, thickened, and rough patches of psoriasis may occur anywhere, but are commonly found on the scalp, elbows, knees, palms, and soles. Other symptoms include:
- Silvery white scales
- Pitted or dented fingernails and/or toenails
- Red lesion or rashes in folds of skin
- Joint pain suggesting arthritis
The skin may also be sore, burning, or itchy depending on the type of psoriasis.
The rashes and lesions may come and go.
Diagnosis TOP
You will be asked about your symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. It will include an exam of skin and nails. The doctor may make a diagnosis based on the appearance of the skin. There are no specific blood tests or diagnostic procedures for psoriasis. A skin biopsy may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment TOP
Treatment will be based on how severe it is and how much skin in involved. Choices may include:
Topical Treatment
Topical medicine is applied directly to the area. It may help to slow growth of patches or manage irritation. Other treatment may help eases itchiness or irritation. Choices include:
- Corticosteroid creams and ointments (most common treatment)
- Synthetic forms of vitamin D
- Retinoids
- Coal tar preparations
- Bath solutions and moisturizers
- Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus (especially for inverse psoriasis)
Photo (Light) Therapy
Psoriasis over large areas can be hard to treat with lotions or creams. Sunlight can help to clear or improve skin patches. The time in the sun should be managed to prevent sunburn.
Phototherapy can provide same benefits in a more controlled way. A form of phototherapy called PUVA uses a special light and a medicine that makes the body more sensitive to light. Phototherapy requires many treatments. It may cause side effects such as nausea, headache, and fatigue, burning, and itching. It can also increase the risk for skin cancer.
Systemic Treatment TOP
More severe psoriasis may need medicine that has a wider impact on the body. Choices include:
- Methotrexate—A affects the whole immune system. It should not be taken by pregnant women, women planning to become pregnant, or by their male partners.
- Cyclosporine—Another type of systemic medication that suppresses the immune system to slow the turnover of skin cells. It should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Hydroxyurea—Less toxic than methotrexate or cyclosporine, but may be less effective.
- Systemic retinoids—Compounds with vitamin A-like properties taken internally may be prescribed in severe cases. Retinoids can cause birth defects, and women must protect themselves from pregnancy for several years after completing treatment. Systemic retinoids are often combined with phototherapy for increased effectiveness and for their property of being protective against squamous skin cancer.
- Newer medications include biologic agents such as adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab, which affect a part of the body's immune response by targeting certain cells in the immune system that cause inflammation.
Prevention TOP
Avoiding physical trauma to the skin, infections, and cold, dry temperatures may help reduce flare-ups in people with the condition.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Dermatology
https://www.aad.org
National Psoriasis Foundation
https://www.psoriasis.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Dermatology Association
https://www.dermatology.ca
Psoriasis Society of Canada
http://www.psoriasissociety.org
REFERENCES:
Moderate to severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: biologic drugs. National Psoriasis Foundation website. Available at: https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/treatments/biologics. Accessed January 26, 2021.
Psoriasis. American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/scaly-skin/psoriasis. Accessed January 26, 2021.
Psoriasis. DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed January 26, 2021.
Systemic medications—methotrexate. National Psoriasis Foundation website. Available at: https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/treatments/systemics/methotrexate. Accessed January 26, 2021.
Last reviewed November 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review BoardNicole S. Meregian, PA
Last Updated: 1/26/2021