Psoriasis

(Redirected from Psoriatic arthritis)

Background

  • Psoriasis is a chronic and relapsing disease
  • Often begins in the 2nd or 3rd decade of life

Types

  • Plaque: also known as psoriasis vulgaris, makes up about 90% of cases. It typically presents as red patches with white scales on top. Areas of the body most commonly affected are the back of the forearms, shins, navel area, and scalp.
  • Guttate: drop-shaped lesions.
  • Inverse: red patches in skin folds
  • Pustular: presents as small non-infectious pus-filled blisters
  • Erythrodermic: occurs when the rash becomes very widespread, and can develop from any of the other types. Fingernails and toenails are affected in most people with psoriasis at some point in time. This may include pits in the nails or changes in nail color.

Triggers

  • Stress
  • Trauma
  • Drugs: NSAIDs, B-blockers

Clinical Features

Back and arms of a person with psoriasis.
Psoriatic plaque, showing a silvery center surrounded by a reddened border.
Psoriasis before and after treatment.
Plaques of psoriasis
  • Well-demarcated erythematous plaques and papules with silvery white scales
    • Epidermal hyperproliferation
  • Commonly found on the trunk, scalp, nail pitting, and extensor surfaces
  • Auspitz sign: plaque removal reveals pinpoint-bleeding areas
  • Associated with psoriatic arthritis, especially in nail involvement

Differential Diagnosis

Plaques

Evaluation

  • Generally a clinical diagnosis

Management

  • Ketoconazole 2% shampoo
  • Hydrocortisone cream 2.5% Neck, Intertriginous Sites
  • Triamcinalone ointment or cream 0.1% Extremities, Trunk, and Scalp
  • Steroids should not be used for more than 2 weeks
  • Systemic steroids should be avoided due to the risk of developing rebound or induction of pustular psoriasis

Disposition

  • Discharge

See Also

External Links

References