Psoriasis
Summary
Causes
The etiology of psoriasis remains unclear, although there is evidence for genetic predisposition 4. The role of the immune system in psoriasis causation is also a major topic of research. Although there is a suggestion that psoriasis could be an autoimmune disease, no autoantigen that could be responsible has been defined yet. Psoriasis can also be provoked by external and internal triggers, including mild trauma, sunburn, infections, systemic drugs and stress 5.
Symptions
Psoriasis involves the skin and nails, and is associated with a number of comorbidities. Skin lesions are localized or generalized, mostly symmetrical, sharply demarcated, red papules and plaques, and usually covered with white or silver scales. Lesions cause itching, stinging and pain. Between 1.3%6 and 34.7%7 of individuals with psoriasis develop chronic, inflammatory arthritis (psoriatic arthritis) that leads to joint deformations and disability. Between 4.2% and 69% of all patients suffering from psoriasis develop nail changes 8,9,10. Individuals with psoriasis are reported to be at increased risk of developing other serious clinical conditions such as cardiovascular and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) 5, 11,12.
Treatment
Treatment of psoriasis is still based on controlling the symptoms. Topical and systemic therapies as well as phototherapy are available. In practice, a combination of these methods is often used. The need for treatment is usually lifelong and is aimed at remission. So far, there is no therapy that would give hope for a complete cure of psoriasis. Additionally, care for patients with psoriasis requires not only treating skin lesions and joint involvement, but it is also very important to identify and manage common comorbidity that already exists or may develop, including cardiovascular and metabolic diseases as well as psychological conditions.
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5. Boehncke W-H, Schon MP. Psoriasis. Lancet. 2015;386(9997):983–94.
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11. Augustin M, Radtke MA, Glaeske G, Reich K, Christophers E, Schaefer I et al. Epidemiology and Comorbidity in Children with Psoriasis and Atopic Eczema. Dermatology. 2015;231(1):35–40.
12. Vena GA, Altomare G, Ayala F, Berardesca E, Calzavara-Pinton P, Chimenti S et al. Incidence of psoriasis and association with comorbidities in Italy: a 5-year observational study from a national primary care database. Eur J Dermatol. 2010;20(5):593–8.