Research Paper Example about Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an idiopathic disease characterized by inflammation that results from a dysfunction of the immune system (Singh et al., 2018). The overactive immune system causes skin growth to exceed normal skin growth, the length of a skin cycle in an individual with psoriasis is three to four days as opposed to approximately one month in healthy persons (Psoriasis: Causes, triggers and treatments). Symptoms of psoriasis typically present at 15-25 years of age but can present at any age (Psoriasis: Causes, triggers and treatments). Psoriasis can present on the scalp, nails, face, hands, feet, skin folds, and genitals (Psoriasis: Causes, triggers and treatments). There are five types of psoriasis: Plaque type psoriasis presents with differentiable erythematous, itchy patches covered in silvery scales which may cover large areas of the skin (Rendon & Schäkel, 2019). Inverse psoriasis presents erythematous plaques and patches that can be erosive in nature, typically located in areas where skin surfaces contact each other frequently (Rendon & Schäkel, 2019). Guttate psoriasis occurs acutely and is characterized by erythematous plaques (Rendon & Schäkel, 2019). The onset of guttate psoriasis is often triggered by streptococcal infections of the tonsils (Mallbris et al., 2005). Pustular psoriasis presents multiple coalescing sterile pustules that can be localized or generalized (Rendon & Schäkel, 2019). The course of this disease is acute and is rapidly progressive with sub corneal pustules and diffuse redness that often is partnered with systemic symptoms (Rendon & Schäkel, 2019). Erythrodermic psoriasis covers over 90% of the surface of the body in a red and inflamed rash, it requires emergency treatment and can develop from any type of psoriasis (Rendon & Schäkel, 2019). Approximately 17% of psoriasis patients have facial involvement, 12% have nail involvement, 14% suffer from psoriasis arthritis and 5% from peripheral enthesopathy (Mallbris et al., 2005). Subclinical diagnosis is uncommon as there is no “pre-psoriasis”; however, it is possible to have subclinical psoriatic arthritis (Zabotti et al., 2020). Sub-clinical symptoms are symptoms that are essentially the beginning onset of psoriasis that will develop into full symptoms acutely. This includes small raised itchy patches of skin, small red or purple spots on the skin, pain, or discomfort where skin rubs, pustular acne appearing lesions, resemblance of a burn, and sensitive, painful, and itchy skin (Cherney, 2021). Psoriasis is diagnosed through clinical signs, history, and a skin biopsy examined under a microscope for confirmation of diagnosis (Psoriasis: Diagnosis and treatment). Under the microscope abnormalities synonymous to psoriasis can be seen such as regular acanthosis, lymphocytic perivascular inflammation, parakeratosis with neutrophilic collections, dilated vessels in the papillary dermis, among others (Psoriasis: Diagnosis and treatment). There are several types of psoriasis, but no stages. It is unlikely that someone with psoriasis will go undiagnosed with it as the clinical signs are significant, and once a doctor is seen a diagnosis should be made. Currently no biomarkers are established for tracking or diagnosis of psoriasis. There are many being researched as there is an urgent need for biomarkers because there is no cure and no predictive assets for progression and therapeutic response for patients with psoriasis (Villanova et al., 2013).