Psoriasis

Definition

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune skin condition that causes the rapid buildup of skin cells, resulting in scaly, red patches that can be itchy and painful. It is a common disorder that primarily affects the integumentary system, which is the focus of section 5.4 on Diseases, Disorders, and Injuries of the Integumentary System.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing them to multiply rapidly and accumulate on the surface of the skin.
2. Psoriasis can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, infections, certain medications, and environmental factors like cold, dry weather.
3. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type, affecting up to 90% of people with psoriasis and characterized by raised, red patches covered with a silvery-white scale.
4. Psoriasis can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, both physically and emotionally, due to the visible nature of the skin lesions and associated symptoms like itching and pain.
5. While there is no cure for psoriasis, various treatment options are available, including topical creams, oral medications, and phototherapy, which can help manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups.

Review Questions

• Describe the key features of psoriasis and how it affects the integumentary system.
  • Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune skin condition that causes the rapid proliferation and accumulation of skin cells, resulting in the formation of red, scaly patches on the skin. These patches, known as plaques, are the hallmark of the most common type of psoriasis, plaque psoriasis. The rapid turnover of skin cells and the resulting buildup of dead cells on the skin's surface are the primary ways in which psoriasis manifests in the integumentary system. This can lead to various symptoms, such as itching, pain, and unsightly skin lesions, which can significantly impact a person's quality of life.
• Explain the role of the immune system in the development of psoriasis and how it differs from a normal immune response.
  • Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy skin cells. In a normal immune response, the immune system recognizes and responds to foreign invaders, such as bacteria or viruses, to protect the body. In psoriasis, however, the immune system triggers an inflammatory response that leads to the rapid production and accumulation of skin cells. This abnormal immune response is a key factor in the development and progression of psoriasis, as it drives the characteristic skin lesions and symptoms associated with the condition.
• Discuss the various treatment options available for managing psoriasis and their potential impacts on the integumentary system.
  • While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are several treatment options available that can help manage the symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Topical creams and ointments, such as corticosteroids and vitamin D analogues, can help reduce inflammation and slow the rapid growth of skin cells. Oral medications, including immunosuppressants and biologics, target the underlying immune system dysfunction and can be effective for more severe cases. Phototherapy, which involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of ultraviolet light, can also help improve the appearance of psoriatic lesions. The selection and effectiveness of these treatments can have a significant impact on the integumentary system, both in terms of symptom management and potential side effects that may arise from the therapies themselves.

Related terms

Plaque Psoriasis: The most common type of psoriasis, characterized by raised, red patches covered with a silvery-white buildup of dead skin cells.

Inverse Psoriasis: A type of psoriasis that appears in skin folds, such as the armpits, groin, and under the breasts, causing smooth, red lesions.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis: A rare and severe form of psoriasis that causes widespread, fiery redness and shedding of the skin, often requiring immediate medical attention.