2. Contents
• Objectives
• Introduction of Psoriasis
• Aetiology of Psoriasis
• Types of Psoriasis
• Diagnosis of Psoriasis
• Summary
• References
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3. Objectives
At the end of the presentation the
students must be able
1. Discuss Introduction of Psoriasis
2. Describe Aetiology of Psoriasis
3. Classify Psoriasis
4. Diagnose Psoriasis
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4. Introduction
of Psoriasis
• Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease in which
skin cells replicate at an extremely rapid rate. New
skin cells are produced about eight times faster
than normal--over several days instead of a month-
-but the rate at which old cells slough off is
unchanged.
• This causes cells to build up on the skin's surface,
forming thick patches, or plaques, of red sores
(lesions) covered with flaky, silvery-white dead skin
cells (scales).
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5. Contd….
• The disorder is a chronic recurring condition
which varies in severity from minor localized
patches to complete body coverage.
• Fingernails and toenails are frequently affected
(psoriatic nail dystrophy) - and can be seen as
an isolated finding.
• Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the
joints, which is known as psoriatic arthritis
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6. Aetiology
• The cause of psoriasis is not known, but it is believed to have a genetic
component.
• Several factors are thought to aggravate psoriasis. These include stress, excessive
alcohol consumption, and smoking.
• Individuals with psoriasis may suffer from depression and loss of self-esteem.
• As such, quality of life is an important factor in evaluating the severity of the
disease.
• Certain medicines, including lithium salt and beta blockers, have been reported to
trigger or aggravate the disease.
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8. Plaque psoriasis
• Plaque psoriasis (psoriasis
vulgaris) is the most common
form of psoriasis.
• It affects 80 to 90% of people
with psoriasis.
• Plaque psoriasis typically
appears as raised areas of
inflamed skin covered with
silvery white scaly skin. These
areas are called plaques.
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9. Inverse psoriasis
• Inverse psoriasis appears as smooth
inflamed patches of skin.
• It occurs in skin folds, particularly
around the genitals (between the
thigh and groin), the armpits, under
an overweight stomach (pannus),
and under the breasts
(inframammary fold).
• It is aggravated by friction and
sweat, and is vulnerable to fungal
infections.
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10. Guttate psoriasis
• Guttate psoriasis is characterized
by numerous small oval
(teardrop-shaped) spots.
• These numerous spots of psoriasis
appear over large areas of the
body, such as the trunk, limbs,
and scalp.
• Guttate psoriasis is associated
with streptococcal throat
infection
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11. Pustular psoriasis
• Pustular psoriasis appears as raised
bumps that are filled with non-
infectious pus (pustules).
• The skin under and surrounding
pustules is red and tender.
• Pustular psoriasis can be localised,
commonly to the hands and feet , or
generalised with widespread patches
occurring randomly on any part of the
body
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12. Psoriatic arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint
but is most common in the joints of
the fingers and toes.
• This can result in a sausage-shaped
swelling of the fingers and toes
known as dactylitis.
• Psoriatic arthritis can also affect the
hips, knees and spine (spondylitis).
About 10-15% of people who have
psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis.
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14. Diagnosis
• A diagnosis of psoriasis is usually based on the
appearance of the skin. There are no special
blood tests or diagnostic procedures for psoriasis.
Sometimes a skin biopsy, or scraping, may be
needed to rule out other disorders and to confirm
the diagnosis. Skin from a biopsy will show
clubbed pegs if positive for psoriasis.
• Another sign of psoriasis is that when the plaques
are scraped, one can see pinpoint bleeding from
the skin below (Auspitz's sign).
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
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