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Psoriasis is a common chronic skin disease characterised by cutaneous inflammation
and epidermal hyperproliferation - lesions appear on any part of the skin, but
particularly the scalp, sacral area, and over the extensor aspect of the knees
and elbows
- the major manifestation of psoriasis is the chronic skin disease (although
psoriatic joint disease is another major morbidity associated with psoriasis)
- psoriatic skin disease is characterised by cutaneous inflammation and epidermal
hyperproliferation (normally cells of the epidermal layer renew every 28 days,
but in psoriasis the regeneration occurs every 2 to 4 days) (1,2)
- lesions appear on any part of the skin, but particularly the scalp,
lumbosacral area and over the extensor aspect of the knees and elbows
(3).
- Characteristically, there are:
- well-defined, raised, erythematous and scaly lesions (3), which
are "salmon pink" or "full rich red" in colour
- surface silvery scale which may be easily removed often leading
to pin - point capillary bleeding (Auspitz sign) (4)
- they may or may not itch but this is not usually a prominent
feature
- acute disease may manifest as inflammation and erythema while chronic lesions
present as typical plaques (4). In most of the patients psoriasis presents
in a chronic course with periods of remission (1).
- psoriasis is an emotionally and physically debilitating disease which is
often underestimated by medical practioners (4)
A strong genetic predisposition can be seen in psoriasis. Around 8 genetic
susceptibility loci (PSORS I-VIII) have been observed (1). Psoriasis susceptibility
1 (PSORS1) locus located on the 6th chromosome is considered to be the most
important one and can be seen in up to 50% of psoriasis cases (3).
Reference:
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