1. Psoriasis
Anatomy and
Physiology
Mr. Mcgee Period 7/8
2. Symptoms
Thick red skin
Irritation
Flaky silver/white patches (scales)
Dead skin cells rise to surface too quickly,
causing a build up
SCALES
3. Diagnosis MILD
SEVERE
Common condition usually determined just by doctor looking at skin
Can range from mild to severe
Common between ages of 15 and 35
Erythrodermic - skin redness is very intense and covers a large
area
Guttate - small, pink-red spots appear on the skin
Inverse - skin redness and irritation occurs in the armpits, groin,
and in between overlapping skin
Plaque - thick, red patches of skin are covered by flaky, silver-white
scales. This is the most common type of psoriasis
Pustular - white blisters are surrounded by red, irritated skin
4. Causes
Passed down through families
Occurs when body’s immune system
mistakes healthy cells for dangerous
substances
More common among those with weakened
immune systems
5. Epidemiology
NOT CONTAGIOUS
This condition cannot be spread to others
6. Treatments
Topical treatments (skin lotions, ointments,
creams, and shampoos)
Systemic treatments (pills or injections that
affect the body's immune response, not just
the skin) doctor reccomendation suggested
Phototherapy (uses light)
Home remedies: oatmeal baths, sunlight,
relaxation
7. Harder to Treat Cases
Bacteria or viral infections, including strep throat and upper
respiratory infections
Dry air or dry skin
Injury to the skin, including cuts, burns, and insect bites
Some medicines, including antimalaria drugs, beta-blockers,
and lithium
Stress
Too little sunlight
Too much sunlight (sunburn)
Too much alcohol
8. Prognosis
Psoriasis is a life-long condition that can
be controlled with treatment. It may go
away for a long time and then return. With
appropriate treatment, it usually does not
affect your general physical health.
There are psoriasis support groups to help
those living with the condition
