Psoriasis Awareness Month August

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What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease that causes skin cells to grow much faster than normal, leading to thick, scaly plaques on the skin. It is not contagious and typically follows a relapsing-remitting course, with periods of flares and improvement.

What are the causes?

The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is considered to be a multifactorial disease with immune-mediated and genetic factors playing a role.

What are the triggering factors?

  • Infections (e.g., Streptococcus throat infection)
  • Certain drugs (e.g., β-blockers, lithium)
  • Physical trauma to the skin (Koebner phenomenon)
  • High stress levels
  • Cold and dry weather
  • Smoking or alcohol use
  • Obesity

What are the common types of psoriasis?

The main types of psoriasis include:

  • Plaque psoriasis (the most common type, accounting for about 80–90% of cases)
  • Guttate psoriasis
  • Inverse (flexural) psoriasis
  • Pustular psoriasis
  • Erythrodermic psoriasis

What is plaque psoriasis?

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis, characterized by sharply defined, erythematous plaques covered with silvery-white scales.

What are the clinical features of plaque psoriasis?

  • Symmetrically distributed, well demarcated erythematous plaques covered with silvery-white scales
  • The most common sites are the extensor surfaces (elbows, knees), scalp, and lower back
  • Auspitz sign which is a pinpoint bleeding after removal of scales
  • May be associated with psoriatic arthritis (joint pain and stiffness)
  • Nail involvement may occur

What are the treatment options?

General measures

  • Emollient
  • Avoid triggers such as stop smoking

Mild disease

  • Topical corticosteroids
  • Topical vitamin D analogs (calcipotriol)
  • Topical calcineurin inhibitors

Moderate to severe disease

  • Phototherapy: narrowband UVB, PUVA, or excimer laser
  • Systemic agents: methotrexate, cyclosporine, or acitretin
  • Biologic therapy: TNF-α inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, IL-23 inhibitors, or IL-12/23 inhibitors

Scientific Content: Dr. Omniyyah Hawsawi
Reference: DermNet