Psoriasis: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Psoriasis is fundamentally an inflammatory skin condition with reactive abnormal epidermal differentiation and hyperproliferation affecting 2-3 % of world’s population. Pathophysiology of the disease includes mainly the activation and migration of T cells to the dermis triggering the release of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha TNF-alpha, in particular) which lead to the inflammation and the rapid production of skin cells. The possible factors and triggers causing psoriasis include emotional stress, skin injury, systemic infections, certain medications and intestinal upsets. Various types of psoriasis have been reported such as plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, scalp psoriasis, flexural psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, nail psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis which can be diagnosed by clinical findings such as skin biopsies etc. Therapeutic agents that either modulate the immune system or normalize the differentiation program of psoriatic keratinocytes are suggested for treating psoriasis. Based on the type of psoriasis, its location, extent and severity there are various treatment regimens available for psoriasis such as topical agents, phototherapy, systemic agents, and homeopathic approach which can help to control the symptoms. This review aims to cover each and every aspect of the disorder Psoriasis and details of particularly plaque psoriasis as about 80% of people who develop psoriasis have plaque psoriasis.