psoriasis

Question 1

what is psoriasis?

Answer 1

1. chronic inflammatory dermatosis
2. genetic association
3. non itchy

Question 2

how is a psoriasis rash described?

Answer 2

1. characteristic thick indurated plaques
2. overlying slivery scale
3. non itchy

Question 3

what are the differentials if rash is itchy?

Answer 3

1. dermatitis herpetiformis (coeliac’s rash)

2. scabies

Question 4

what is the pathophysiology of psoriasis?

Answer 4

1. abnormal t cell activation
2. release of cytokines
   i. new vessel formation

ii. keratinocyte proliferation
- high rate of mitosis
- parakeratosis/build up of scale from basal layer to new layer of epidermis

Question 5

what is the main genetic association?

Answer 5

psoriatic arthritis

Question 6

Name 3 complications of psoriasis?

Answer 6

1. increases risk of IBD
2. psoriatic arthritis
3. metabolic syndrome

Question 7

what is PEST score?

Answer 7

1. screening tool for Psoriatic arthritis
2. patients will psoriasis complete annual PEST questionnaire
3. score of > 3 - refer to rheumatology

Question 8

What are the triggering factors?

Answer 8

1. infection - beta haemolytic strep/tonsillitis
2. pregnancy
3. light
4. hormones
5. drugs

Question 9

which drugs can trigger psoriasis?

Answer 9

1. beta blocker
2. anti malarials
3. lithium
4. Alcohol