Everything about Psoriasis totally explained
Psoriasis (
suh-RI-uh-sus) is a disease which affects the
skin and
joints. It commonly causes red scaly patches to appear on the skin. The scaly patches caused by psoriasis, called psoriatic plaques, are areas of
inflammation and excessive skin production. Skin rapidly accumulates at these sites and takes a silvery-white appearance. Plaques frequently occur on the skin of the
elbows and
knees, but can affect any area including the
scalp and
genitals. Psoriasis is
hypothesized to be
immune-mediated and isn't
contagious.
The
disorder is a
chronic recurring condition which varies in severity from minor localised patches to complete body coverage.
Fingernails and toenails are frequently affected (psoriatic nail dystrophy) - and can be seen as an isolated finding. Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the joints, which is known as
psoriatic arthritis. Ten to fifteen
percent of
people with psoriasis have psoriatic arthritis.
The cause of psoriasis isn't known, but it's believed to have a
genetic component. Several factors are thought to aggravate psoriasis. These include
stress,
excessive alcohol consumption, and
smoking. Individuals with psoriasis may suffer from
depression and loss of
self-esteem. As such,
quality of life is an important factor in evaluating the severity of the disease. There are many treatments available but because of its chronic recurrent nature psoriasis is a challenge to treat.
History
Psoriasis is probably one of the longest known illnesses of humans and simultaneously one of the most misunderstood. Some scholars believe psoriasis to have been included among the skin conditions called
tzaraat in the
Bible. In more recent times psoriasis was frequently described as a variety of
leprosy. The Greeks used the term lepra (λεπρα) for scaly skin conditions. They used the term psora to describe itchy skin conditions. It became known as
Willan's lepra in the late 18th century when English
dermatologists
Robert Willan and Thomas Bateman differentiated it from other skin diseases. They assigned names to the condition based on the appearance of lesions. Willan identified two categories:
leprosa graecorum and
psora leprosa.
While it may have been visually, and later
semantically, confused with
leprosy it wasn't until
1841 that the condition was finally given the name
psoriasis by the
Viennese dermatologist
Ferdinand von Hebra. The name is derived from the
Greek word
psora which means
to itch.
It was during the 20th century that psoriasis was further differentiated into specific types.
Types of psoriasis
The symptoms of psoriasis can manifest in a variety of forms. Variants include plaque, pustular, guttate and flexural psoriasis. This section describes each type (with
ICD-10 code
(External Link
)).
Plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris) (L40.0) is the most common form of psoriasis. It affects 80 to 90% of people with psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis typically appears as raised areas of inflamed skin covered with silvery white scaly skin. These areas are called plaques.
Flexural psoriasis (inverse psoriasis) (L40.83-4) appears as smooth inflamed patches of skin. It occurs in
skin folds, particularly around the
genitals (between the thigh and groin), the
armpits, under an overweight stomach (
pannus), and under the
breasts (
inframammary fold). It is aggravated by
friction and
sweat, and is vulnerable to
fungal infections.
Guttate psoriasis (L40.4) is characterized by numerous small round (teardrop-shaped) spots (differential diagnosis - pityriasis rosea - oval shape lesion). These numerous spots of psoriasis appear over large areas of the body, such as the trunk, limbs, and
scalp. Guttate psoriasis is associated with
streptococcal throat infection.
Pustular psoriasis (L40.1-3, L40.82) appears as raised bumps that are filled with non-infectious pus (pustules). The skin under and surrounding pustules is red and tender. Pustular psoriasis can be localised, commonly to the hands and feet (
palmoplantar pustulosis), or generalised with widespread patches occurring randomly on any part of the body.
Nail psoriasis (L40.86) produces a variety of changes in the appearance of finger and toe nails. These changes include discolouring under the nail plate, pitting of the nails, lines going across the nails, thickening of the skin under the nail, and the loosening (
onycholysis) and crumbling of the nail.
Psoriatic arthritis (L40.5) involves joint and
connective tissue inflammation. Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint but is most common in the joints of the fingers and toes. This can result in a sausage-shaped swelling of the fingers and toes known as
dactylitis. Psoriatic arthritis can also affect the hips, knees and spine (
spondylitis). About 10-15% of people who have psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis.
Erythrodermic psoriasis (L40.85) involves the widespread inflammation and exfoliation of the skin over most of the body surface. It may be accompanied by severe itching, swelling and pain. It is often the result of an exacerbation of unstable plaque psoriasis, particularly following the abrupt withdrawal of systemic treatment. This form of psoriasis can be fatal, as the extreme inflammation and exfoliation disrupt the body's ability to regulate temperature and for the skin to perform barrier functions.
Diagnosis
A
diagnosis of psoriasis is usually based on the appearance of the skin. There are no special blood tests or diagnostic procedures for psoriasis. Sometimes a skin
biopsy, or scraping, may be needed to rule out other disorders and to confirm the diagnosis. Skin from a biopsy will show clubbed
Rete pegs if positive for psoriasis. Another sign of psoriasis is that when the plaques are scraped, one can see pinpoint bleeding from the skin below (
Auspitz's sign).
Severity
Psoriasis is usually graded as mild (affecting less than 3% of the body), moderate (affecting 3-10% of the body) or severe. Several scales exist for measuring the severity of psoriasis. The degree of severity is generally based on the following factors: the proportion of body surface area affected; disease activity (degree of plaque redness, thickness and scaling); response to previous therapies; and the impact of the disease on the person.
The
Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) is the most widely used measurement tool for psoriasis. PASI combines the assessment of the severity of lesions and the area affected into a single score in the range 0 (no disease) to 72 (maximal disease). Nevertheless, the PASI can be too unwieldy to use outside of trials, which has led to attempts to simplify the index for clinical use.
Effect on the quality of life
Psoriasis has been shown to affect health-related quality of life to an extent similar to the effects of other chronic diseases such as
depression,
myocardial infarction,
hypertension,
congestive heart failure or
type 2 diabetes. Depending on the severity and location of outbreaks, individuals may experience significant physical discomfort and some disability. Itching and pain can interfere with basic functions, such as self-care,
walking, and
sleep. Plaques on
hands and
feet can prevent individuals from working at certain occupations, playing some
sports, and caring for family members or a home. The frequency of medical care is costly and can interfere with an employment or school schedule.
Individuals with psoriasis may also feel self-conscious about their appearance and have a poor self-image that stems from fear of public rejection and psychosexual concerns. Psychological distress can lead to significant
depression and
social isolation.
Epidemiology
Psoriasis affects both
sexes equally and can occur at any
age, although it most commonly appears for the first time between the ages of 15 and 25 years.
The
prevalence of psoriasis in Western populations is estimated to be around 2-3%. The prevalence of psoriasis among 7.5 million patients who were registered with a general practitioner in the United Kingdom was 1.5%. A
survey
conducted by the
National Psoriasis Foundation (a
US based psoriasis
education and
advocacy group) found a prevalence of 2.1% among
adult Americans. The study found that 35% of people with psoriasis could be classified as having moderate to severe psoriasis.
Around one-third of people with psoriasis report a
family history of the disease, and researchers have identified genetic
loci associated with the condition. Studies of
monozygotic twins suggest a 70% chance of a twin developing psoriasis if the other twin has psoriasis. The
concordance is around 20% for
dizygotic twins. These findings suggest both a genetic predisposition and an environmental response in developing psoriasis.
Onset before age 40 usually indicates a greater genetic susceptibility and a more severe or recurrent course of psoriasis.
Cause
The cause of psoriasis isn't fully understood. There are two main hypotheses about the process that occurs in the development of the disease. The first considers psoriasis as primarily a disorder of excessive growth and reproduction of skin cells. The problem is simply seen as a fault of the
epidermis and its
keratinocytes. The second hypothesis sees the disease as being an
immune-mediated disorder in which the excessive reproduction of skin cells is secondary to factors produced by the
immune system.
T cells (which normally help protect the body against infection) become active, migrate to the
dermis and trigger the release of
cytokines (
tumor necrosis factor-alpha TNFα, in particular) which cause inflammation and the rapid production of skin cells. It isn't known what initiates the activation of the T cells.
The immune-mediated model of psoriasis has been supported by the observation that
immunosuppressant medications can clear psoriasis plaques. However, the role of the immune system isn't fully understood, and it has recently been reported that an
animal model of psoriasis can be triggered in mice lacking T cells.
Animal models, however, reveal only a few aspects resembling human psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a fairly
idiosyncratic disease. The majority of people's experience of psoriasis is one in which it may worsen or improve for no apparent reason. Studies of the factors associated with psoriasis tend to be based on small (usually hospital based) samples of individuals. These studies tend to suffer from representative issues, and an inability to tease out
causal associations in the face of other (possibly unknown) intervening factors. Conflicting findings are often reported. Nevertheless, the first outbreak is sometimes reported following
stress (physical and mental), skin injury, and
streptococcal infection. Conditions that have been reported as accompanying a worsening of the disease include infections, stress, and changes in season and
climate. Certain medicines, including
lithium salt and
beta blockers, have been reported to trigger or aggravate the disease. Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and obesity may exacerbate psoriasis or make the management of the condition difficult.
Individuals suffering from the advanced effects of the
Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, often exhibit psoriasis. This presents a paradox to researchers as traditional therapies that reduce
T-cell counts generally cause psoriasis to improve. Yet, as CD4-T-cell counts decrease with the progression of HIV, psoriasis worsens. In addition, HIV is typically characterized by a strong
Th2 cytokine profile, whereas psoriasis vulgaris is characterized by a strong
Th1 secretion pattern. It's hypothesized that the diminished CD4-T-Cell presence causes an over-activation of CD8-T-Cells, which are responsible for the exacerbation of psoriasis in HIV positive patients. It is important to remember that most individuals with psoriasis are otherwise healthy and the presence of HIV accounts for less than 1% of cases. The prevalence of psoriasis in the HIV positive population ranges from 1 to 6 percent, which is about 3 times higher than the normal population.
Treatment
There can be substantial variation between individuals in the effectiveness of specific psoriasis treatments. Because of this,
dermatologists often use a trial-and-error approach to finding the most appropriate treatment for their patient. The decision to employ a particular treatment is based on the type of psoriasis, its location, extent and severity. The patient’s age, gender, quality of life,
comorbidities, and attitude toward risks associated with the treatment are also taken into consideration.
Medications with the least potential for adverse reactions are preferentially employed. If the treatment goal isn't achieved then therapies with greater potential
toxicity may be used. Medications with significant toxicity are reserved for severe unresponsive psoriasis. This is called the psoriasis treatment ladder. As a first step, medicated
ointments or creams, called topical treatments, are applied to the skin. If topical treatment fails to achieve the desired goal then the next step would be to expose the skin to
ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This type of treatment is called
phototherapy. The third step involves the use of medications which are taken internally by pill or
injection. This approach is called systemic treatment.
Over time, psoriasis can become resistant to a specific therapy. Treatments may be periodically changed to prevent resistance developing (
tachyphylaxis) and to reduce the chance of adverse reactions occurring. This is called treatment rotation.
Topical treatment
Bath solutions and
moisturizers help soothe affected skin and reduce the dryness which accompanies the build-up of skin on psoriatic plaques. Medicated creams and ointments applied directly to psoriatic plaques can help reduce inflammation, remove built-up scale, reduce skin turn over, and clear affected skin of plaques. Ointment and creams containing
coal tar,
dithranol (anthralin),
corticosteroids like
Topicort Desoximetasone),
vitamin D3 analogues (for example,
calcipotriol), and
retinoids are routinely used.
Argan oil has also been used with some promising results.
The
mechanism of action of each is probably different but they all help to normalise skin cell production and reduce inflammation. Activated vitamin D and its analogues are highly effective inhibitors of skin cell proliferation.
The disadvantages of topical agents are variably that they can often
irritate normal skin, can be time consuming and awkward to apply, can't be used for long periods, can
stain clothing or have a strong
odour. As a result, it's sometimes difficult for people to maintain the regular application of these medications. Abrupt withdrawal of some topical agents, particularly corticosteroids, can cause an aggressive recurrence of the condition. This is known as a
rebound of the condition.
Some topical agents are used in conjunction with other therapies, especially photo therapy.
Phototherapy
It has long been recognized that daily, short, non-burning exposure to
sunlight helped to clear or improve psoriasis.
Niels Finsen was the first
physician to investigate the therapeutic effects of sunlight scientifically and to use sunlight in clinical practice. This became known as
phototherapy.
Sunlight contains many different
wavelengths of light. It was during the early part of the 20th century that it was recognised that for psoriasis the therapeutic property of sunlight was due to the wavelengths classified as
ultraviolet (UV) light.
Ultraviolet wavelengths are subdivided into UVA (380–315 nm) UVB (315–280 nm), and UVC (< 280 nm). Ultraviolet B (UVB) (315–280 nm) is absorbed by the
epidermis and has a beneficial effect on psoriasis. Narrowband UVB (311 to 312 nm), is that part of the UVB spectrum that's most helpful for psoriasis. Exposure to UVB several times per week, over several weeks can help people attain a remission from psoriasis.
Ultraviolet light treatment is frequently combined with topical (coal tar, calcipotriol) or systemic treatment (retinoids) as there's a
synergy in their combination. The Ingram regime, involves UVB and the application of
anthralin paste. The Goeckerman regime combines coal tar ointment with UVB.
Photochemotherapy
Psoralen and ultraviolet A phototherapy (
PUVA) combines the oral or topical administration of psoralen with exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. Precisely how PUVA works isn't known. The
mechanism of action probably involves activation of psoralen by UVA light which inhibits the abnormally rapid production of the cells in psoriatic skin. There are multiple mechanisms of action associated with PUVA, including effects on the skin immune system.
PUVA is associated with
nausea,
headache,
fatigue, burning, and itching. Long-term treatment is associated with
squamous-cell and
melanoma skin cancers.
Systemic treatment
Psoriasis which is resistant to
topical treatment and
phototherapy is treated by
medications that are taken internally by
pill or
injection. This is called systemic treatment. Patients undergoing systemic treatment are required to have regular
blood and
liver function tests because of the
toxicity of the
medication.
Pregnancy must be avoided for the majority of these treatments. Most people experience a recurrence of psoriasis after systemic treatment is discontinued.
The three main traditional systemic treatments are
methotrexate,
cyclosporine and
retinoids. Methotrexate and cyclosporine are
immunosupressant drugs; retinoids are synthetic forms of
vitamin A. Other additional drugs, not specifically licensed for psoriasis, have been found to be
effective. These include the
antimetabolite tioguanine, the
cytotoxic agent
hydroxyurea,
sulfasalazine, the
immunosupressants mycophenolate mofetil,
azathioprine and oral
tacrolimus. These have all been used
effectively to treat psoriasis when other treatments have failed. Although not licensed in many other countries
fumaric acid esters have also been used to treat severe psoriasis in
Germany for over 20 years.
Biologics are manufactured proteins that interrupt the immune process involved in psoriasis. Unlike generalised
immunosuppressant therapies such as methotrexate, biologics focus on specific aspects of the immune function leading to psoriasis. These drugs (interleukin antagonists) are relatively new, and their long-term impact on immune function is unknown. They are very expensive and only suitable for very few patients with psoriasis.
Ustekinumab (
IL-12 and
IL-23 blocker) shows hopeful results for psoriasis therapy.
A new natural systemic option,
XP-828L, for mild to moderate psoriasis relief has been developed by a Canadian life science and technology company. This oral product with clinically proven efficacy and safety is extracted through a patented process from whey and has immuno-modulatory effects.
Alternative therapy
Antibiotics are not indicated in routine treatment of psoriasis. However, antibiotics may be employed when an infection, such as that caused by the bacteria
Streptococcus, triggers an outbreak of psoriasis, as in certain cases of guttate psoriasis.
Climatotherapy involves the notion that some diseases can be successfully treated by living in a particular
climate. Several psoriasis clinics are located throughout the world based on this idea. The
Dead Sea is one of the most popular locations for this type of treatment.
In
Turkey & in
Croatia (Altermedica),
doctor fish which live in the outdoor pools of spas, are encouraged to feed on the psoriatic skin of people with psoriasis. The fish only consume the affected areas of the skin. The outdoor location of the spa may also have a beneficial effect. This treatment can provide temporary relief of symptoms. A revisit to the spas every few months is often required. Best known is the spa “Kangal Thermal Springs”, near the Turkish village of Kavak. According to the testimony of numerous psoriasis patients, the fish lead to a significant relief. This spa is located south of the historic
silk road in
Anatolia. The next big city is
Sivas. Treatment in this hot spring has been examined until now in two small clinical trials, with positive results.
Some people subscribe to the view that psoriasis can be effectively managed through a healthy lifestyle. This view is based on
anecdotal evidence, and hasn't been subjected to formal scientific evaluation. Nevertheless, some people report that minimizing stress and consuming a healthy diet, combined with rest, sunshine and swimming in saltwater keep lesions to a minimum. This type of "lifestyle" treatment is suggested as a long-term management strategy, rather than an initial treatment of severe psoriasis.
A number of patients have reported significant improvements from sun and sea water: unfortunately, salt alone doesn't have any effect. Sea water contains so many minerals and different life forms (thousands of species of bacteria alone) that it'll be hard to determine which of these is causing the observed effects. Interestingly, people in the tropics differentiate between "live" and "dead" sea water: "live" sea water is water that has never been covered.
Some psoriasis patients use
herbology as a holistic approach that aims to treat the underlying causes of psoriasis. Some alternative therapies consider
Oil of Oregano to be a powerful herbal method of treatment.
A psychological symptom management programme has been reported as being a helpful adjunct to traditional therapies in the management of psoriasis.
Zinc oxide (ZnO) is used for several skin afflictions and according to some patients also provides relief.
Historical treatment
The history of psoriasis is littered with treatments of dubious effectiveness and high toxicity. These treatments received brief popularity at particular time periods or within certain geographical regions. The application of
cat faeces to red lesions on the skin, for example, was one of the earliest topical treatments employed in ancient
Egypt. Onions, sea salt and
urine, goose oil and
semen, wasp droppings in
sycamore milk, and soup made from
vipers have all been reported as being ancient treatments.
In the more recent past
Fowler's solution, which contains a
poisonous and
carcinogenic arsenic compound, was used by dermatologists as a treatment for psoriasis during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Grenz rays (also called ultrasoft X-rays or Bucky rays) was a popular treatment of psoriasis during the middle of the 20th century. This type of therapy was superseded by ultraviolet therapy.
Undecylenic acid was investigated and used for psoriasis some 40 years ago.(cir. 1950~)
All these treatments have fallen out of favour.
Sulphur was fashionable as a treatment for psoriasis in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. It has recently re-gained some credibility as a safe alternative to steroids and coal tar.
Future drug development
Historically, agents used to treat psoriasis were discovered by experimentation or by accident. In contrast, current novel therapeutic agents are designed from a better understanding of the immune processes involved in psoriasis and by the specific targeting of molecular mediators. Examples can be seen in the use of biologics which target T cells and TNF inhibitors.
It has been suggested that
cannabis might treat psoriasis, due to the anti-inflammatory properties of its
cannabinoids, and the regulatory effects of
THC on the immune system. The adverse effects of cannabis might be overcome by use of more specific cannabinoid receptor medications, to inhibit keratinocyte proliferation.
Future innovation should see the creation of additional drugs that refine the targeting of immune-mediators further.
Research into
antisense oligonucleotides carries the potential to provide novel therapeutic strategies for treating psoriasis.
ABT-874 is a human anti-
IL-12 monoclonal antibody being developed by
Abbott Laboratories in conjunction with Cambridge Antibody Technology for the treatment of multiple autoimmune diseases including psoriasis. Phase II trials have been completed and showed promising results. Abbott was planning to initiate Phase III trials in 2007.
In 2004, Tas and Avci demonstrated cyclopamine’s clinical potential for the treatment of psoriasis and basal cell carcinoma in two preliminary proof of concept studies. By treating 31 psoriatic lesions in 7 patients, these authors asserted
that topical cyclopamine was more effective in the clinical and histological clearance of guttate and plaque psoriasis than the topical steroid clobetasol-17 propionate.Furthermore, they demonstrated that concurrent application of cylopamine and clobetasol-17 propionate accelerated regression and clearance of selected lesions greater than cyclopamine alone with clearance times as early as 48 hours.They assert that cyclopamine inhibits the abnormal proliferation of epithelial cells, induces terminal differentiation, and is associated with the
decreased presence of inflammatory cells, including CD41 lymphocytes.
On August 27, 2006,
scientists led by Jeung-Hoon Lee created in the
laboratory synthetic lipids called pseudoceramides which are involved in
skin cell growth and could be used in treating
skin diseases such as
atopic dermatitis, a form of
eczema characterized by red, flaky and very itchy skin; psoriasis, and glucocorticoid-induced epidermal atrophy, in which the skin shrinks due to skin cell loss.
Prognosis
Psoriasis is a lifelong condition. There is currently no cure but various treatments can help to control the symptoms. Many of the most effective agents used to treat severe psoriasis carry an increased risk of significant morbidity including
skin cancers,
lymphoma and liver disease. However, the majority of people's experience of psoriasis is that of minor localized patches, particularly on the elbows and knees, which can be treated with topical medication. Psoriasis does get worse over time but it isn't possible to predict who will go on to develop extensive psoriasis or those in whom the disease may appear to vanish. Individuals will often experience flares and remissions throughout their lives. Controlling the signs and symptoms typically requires lifelong therapy.
According to one study, psoriasis is linked to 2.5-fold increased risk for nonmelanoma skin cancer in men and women, with no preponderance of any specific histologic subtype of cancer. This, however could be linked to antipsoriatic treatment.
"The heartbreak of psoriasis"
The phrase "the heartbreak of psoriasis" is often used both seriously and
ironically to describe the emotional impact of the disease. It may include both the effect of having a chronic uncomfortable disorder and the social effects of being self conscious of one's appearance. The term can be found in various advertisements for topical and other treatments; conversely, it has been used to mock the tendency of advertisers to exaggerate (or even fabricate) aspects of a malady for financial gain. While many products today use the phrase in their advertising, it originated in a 1960s advertising campaign for Tegrin, a
coal tar-based ointment.
Notable Persons With Psoriasis
Robert I of Scotland, King of Scots,usually known in modern English as Robert the Bruce.
CariDee English - American model and America's Next Top Model, Cycle 7 winner.
Paul John Ferris - a Scottish businessman, author and former gangster.
Mark Gastineau - American football player, New York Jets, 1979 to 1988.
Tom Waits - American singer-songwriter, composer, and actor
Abimael Guzmán - Leader of the Shining Path . Guzmán was captured after Peruvian counter-terrorist agents found Psoriasis treating cream amongst the rubbish coming out of his hideout .
William Halsey, Jr. - Admiral, U.S. Navy and Commander of the U.S. Third Fleet during WWII.
Shawn Lane - musician, suffered from Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis from the age of 13.
Jerry Mathers - American Actor (Leave it to Beaver, Beav).
Dennis Potter - English playwright (see his work The Singing Detective).
Joseph Stalin - General Secretary of the Communist Party, Soviet Union, 1922 - 1953.
Kenneth Starr - American lawyer, submitted to Congress the Starr Report, which led to former US President Bill Clinton's impeachment charges.
John Updike - American novelist.
Eli Roth - American director (see his work Cabin Fever).Further Information
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