Psoriasis

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Challenging Cases in Allergic and Immunologic Diseases of the Skin

Abstract

Psoriasis is a complex autoimmune-mediated disease typically characterized by erythematous papules and plaques with a silver scale. These lesions usually occur on the elbows, knees, scalp, legs, and sacrum, although other forms exist. Psoriasis is a disease whose mechanism is not fully understood, but results in an increased epithelium production by keratinocytes due to decreased cell cycle of 36 h as compared to the normal proliferative time of 311 h. Psoriasis follows an irregular course marked with exacerbations and remissions of unknown onset and duration. This condition ranges from a life-threatening erythrodermic form to a mild well-localized form. Topical steroids remain the primary therapeutic treatment in psoriasis, although systemic agents are available if necessary according to the severity. In general, treatment plans need to be individualized to meet the physician and the patient's long-term goals. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010.

First Page

267

Last Page

285

DOI

10.1007/978-1-60761-296-4_17

Publication Date

12-1-2010

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