Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a disease that affects the skin and can also cause joint pain. It is triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors (such as infections, trauma, medicines, and stress). T-helper immune cells (e.g., Th17) and inflammatory signaling molecules such as IL17 and IL23 play an important role in how psoriasis affects the body.

Signs & Symptoms

Patients with psoriasis have well-defined, scaly, red, raised areas (called plaques) on their skin which often itch or burn. Psoriasis most commonly affects the scalp, elbows, and knees but it can occur almost anywhere on the skin. Patients with psoriasis can develop psoriatic arthritis 30% of the time.

Treatment

Psoriasis has many treatment options which must be tailored to each patient. Topical therapies (such as corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs) and phototherapy are considered first-line for psoriasis. Patients with severe, treatment-resistant, or joint disease often need internal (systemic) medications such as biologics or immunosuppressives.

Reference: Boehncke, Schön. Psoriasis, The Lancet, 2015. PMID: 26025581