Week 8 - Psoriasis

Question 1

What is psoriasis?

Answer 1

A chronic, immune-mediated skin disorder characterized by rapid skin cell growth, forming thick, scaly plaques. Associated with arthritis in up to 10% of patients.

Question 2

What type of immune cells are involved in psoriasis?

Answer 2

T lymphocytes (autoimmune-mediated).

Question 3

What genetic factor is linked to psoriasis?

Answer 3

HLA antigen association.

Question 4

Which drugs can worsen psoriasis?

Answer 4

Chloroquine, lithium, beta-blockers, steroids, NSAIDs.

Question 5

List other triggering factors for psoriasis.

Answer 5

Infections, stress, alcohol, smoking, obesity, hypocalcemia.

Question 6

What are the hallmark skin features of plaque psoriasis?

Answer 6

Well-defined erythematous plaques with silvery scales.

Question 7

Where on the body does plaque psoriasis commonly occur?

Answer 7

Scalp, knees, elbows, lumbosacral region.

Question 8

What is the Koebner phenomenon in psoriasis?

Answer 8

Lesions appearing at sites of skin injury (mechanical, chemical, or radiation trauma).

Question 9

What are the common nail changes in psoriasis?

Answer 9

Pitting, dystrophy, yellow-brown discoloration (oil drop sign), onycholysis.

Question 10

What is the drug of choice for moderate to severe psoriasis?

Answer 10

Methotrexate.

Question 11

Which drug can be used intermittently to induce response in psoriasis?

Answer 11

Cyclosporine.

Question 12

What treatment option is used if methotrexate fails?

Answer 12

Biological agents (sometimes combined with methotrexate).

Question 13

Besides medications, what other treatments are available for moderate to severe psoriasis?

Answer 13

Phototherapy and avoiding skin trauma.