Psoriasis: a short review of its pathophysiology and causes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60988/p.v37i2S.251Keywords:
psoriasis; plaque psoriasis; types of psoriasis; topical treatments; systemic treatmentAbstract
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory condition characterized by abnormal keratinocyte metabolism. Its development is closely associated with immune system dysfunction and aberrant activation. This common skin disorder is marked by the formation of clearly defined, scaly, erythematous plaques, typically affecting the knees, elbows, scalp, and trunk. While there is no cure for psoriasis, it is believed to be an immune-mediated disease in which skin cells proliferate more rapidly than normal. The pathogenesis of psoriasis involves multiple factors, including genetic predisposition, lipoprotein-2, galectin-3, fractalkine, vaspin, human neutrophilic peptides, T-cells, dendritic cells, and antimicrobial peptides. Four forms of psoriasis exist, each with distinct clinical manifestations and pathological features: erythrodermic, pustular, chronic plaque, and articular psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type, characterized by dry, itchy scales covering raised areas of skin. Although currently incurable, psoriasis treatment should focus on minimizing patients’ physical and psychological distress through early intervention, identification and prevention of associated multimorbidity, lifestyle modifications, and a personalized treatment approach. This short review summarizes recent progress in understanding psoriasis pathophysiology and its causes, aiming to improve our comprehension of the disease.
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