It affects 1-2% of the population.
The cause is believed to be abnormal activity of the type 1 T helper cells.
It is associated wtih HLA CW6, B13, B17 and B27.
Females tend to be affected at a younger age than males.
The main 'types' of psoriasis are:
- chronic plaque
- generalised pustular
- palmo-plantar pustulosis
- strong association with smoking
- tends to affect middle-aged females
- guttate
- usually young adults/teenagers
- is often preceded by a strep infection 2-4 weeks before
- resolves spontaneously in 2-3 weeks
- nail
- flexural
Athropathy is a feature in 8% and may be in the form of :
- symmetric arthritis - appears rheumatoid-like; 50%
- asymmetric arthrtitis - 35% - dactylitis
- arthritis mutilans - <5%
- spondylitis
- distal interphalangeal predominant
Psoriasis can be worsened by multiple factors, including:
- trauma
- infection
- post-partum
- beta blockers
- lithium
- stress
- alcohol
- NSAIDs
Management for skin psoriasis is by a host of lotions and potions - coal tar, dithranol, topical vitamin D.... if these haven't already been drummed into you a brief visit to the BAD website (british association of dermatologists, trying to sound cool) to recap might be a good idea.
Now for a brief skirmish with Beau's lines
