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Psoriasis

Also Known As: Chronic Plaque Psoriasis, Psoriatic Disease, Autoimmune Skin Condition
System: Integumentary System, Musculoskeletal System, Immune System, and Heart and Vascular System
Autoantibodies:

Psoriasis is autoimmune, but no specific diagnostic autoantibodies. However:

  • Immune markers like IL-17, IL-23, and TNF-alpha are involved in inflammation

  • May test for HLA-Cw6 in some studies for risk

Primary Organ or Body Part Affected:
  • Skin (integumentary system)

  • Joints (in psoriatic arthritis)

Acceptance as Autoimmune: Confirmed
Psoriasis

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition where the immune system speeds up the life cycle of skin cells. This causes skin cells to build up on the surface, forming thick, scaly patches that can itch, crack, and bleed.

It’s not contagious and can range from mild to severe. Psoriasis often comes in cycles, with flare-ups followed by periods of remission.

Types of Psoriasis:

  • Plaque psoriasis – most common; raised, red patches with scales

  • Guttate psoriasis – small, drop-shaped lesions (often after infection)

  • Inverse psoriasis – smooth, red patches in skin folds (under arms, breasts, or groin)

  • Pustular psoriasis – white pustules surrounded by red skin

  • Erythrodermic psoriasis – rare, severe form with widespread redness and peeling

  • Psoriatic arthritis – joint pain and swelling along with skin symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of Psoriasis?

Skin symptoms:

  • Thick, red patches of skin with silvery-white scales

  • Dry, cracked skin that may bleed

  • Itching, burning, or soreness

  • Nail changes (pitting, crumbling, separation from the nail bed)

  • Scalp involvement (flaking like dandruff, but thicker)

Other symptoms:

  • Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling (in psoriatic arthritis)

  • Flares may be triggered by stress, infections, cold weather, injury, or certain medications

What are the causes of Psoriasis?

Causes:

Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing inflammation and rapid skin cell turnover.

Triggers and risk factors include:

  • Genetics (family history)

  • Stress

  • Infections (like strep throat or COVID-19)

  • Cold or dry weather

  • Skin injuries (cuts, sunburns – known as the Koebner phenomenon)

  • Certain medications (e.g., beta-blockers, lithium)

Diagnosis

Psoriasis is usually diagnosed by:

  • Physical examination of the skin, scalp, and nails

  • Medical history and symptom discussion

  • Skin biopsy (rare, only if uncertain)

Treatment

There’s no cure, but many effective treatments exist:

Topical treatments (for mild to moderate cases):

  • Corticosteroids

  • Vitamin D analogs (e.g., calcipotriene)

  • Coal tar or salicylic acid

  • Moisturizers and emollients

Phototherapy:

  • UVB or PUVA light therapy under medical supervision

Systemic medications (for moderate to severe cases):

  • Methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin

  • Biologic therapies (e.g., adalimumab, etanercept, secukinumab) that target specific immune responses

Prognosis

  • Psoriasis is a lifelong condition, but many people achieve good control with treatment

  • Severity varies—some people have small patches, others have widespread inflammation

  • People with psoriasis may have higher risk for:

    • Psoriatic arthritis

    • Heart disease

    • Depression or anxiety

Prevalence

  • Affects about 2–3% of the global population

  • Can begin at any age, but most often between 15 and 35

  • Equally common in men and women

  • More common in people with European ancestry

Citations

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