Question

Psoriasis is a chronically recurring Papulosquamous skin disorder, characterized by circumscribe red, thickened plaques with an overly silvery white scale.

1. Explain the development of the plaques in terms of epidermal cell turnover.

2. Persons with psoriasis are instructed to refrain from rubbing or scratching the lesions. Explain the rationale for these instructions.
3. Among the methods used in the treatment of psoriasis are the use of topical keratolytic agents and corticosteroids  skin preparations. Explain how these two different types of agents exert their effect on the plaque lesions.

Answer 1

Psotiasis is a chronic immune disordsr with itchy and somewhat painful skin rashes scaly patches mainly in scalp, knee, elbows,lowback etc.

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type. The development of plaque in terms of epidermal turn over is very clear, because time taken by a cell to travel to the surface is about 40-50 days in normal cells whereas in psoroatic cell need only 6-8 days. It lead to accumulation and powdery appearance and thickness along with shining.

By rubbing or scratching the skin lead to increase the risk of infection. Bleeding will also there.

Topical keratolytics like salicylic acid reduce hyperkeratossis and increase absorption of other medicines. It loosen condition reduce scales and exert moistness.

Corticosteroids control inflammation. And it is antiproliferative, immunosuppressive, vasoconstricter too.