Psoriasis And Related Disorders
March 2024
TLDR Psoriasis is a common, genetically influenced skin disease worsened by stress and lifestyle, but targeted treatments are promising.
Psoriasis is a genetically influenced, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease affecting over 60 million people globally, with chronic plaque psoriasis being the most common form. Genetic loci like PSORS1 and CARD14 are significant, and environmental factors such as infections, stress, and lifestyle choices impact disease onset and severity. Stress-reducing interventions can enhance treatment efficacy. The Koebner phenomenon and the roles of innate and adaptive immunity are crucial in its pathogenesis. Psoriasis plaques involve a complex inflammatory network, and targeted biologic treatments show promise. While scalp psoriasis typically does not cause hair loss, severe forms like erythrodermic psoriasis can. The disease can present in infancy and affect genital skin in inverse psoriasis.