Basics of Psoriasis

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to psoriasis, its diagnosis, assessment, and treatment.

Psoriasis

A chronic inflammatory skin disease mediated by the immune system characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin.

Pustules

Small, pus-filled blisters or pimples.

Acitretin

A retinoid and active metabolite of etretinate, used to treat psoriasis.

Phototherapy

Treatment of disease by means of light rays.

PASI (Psoriasis Area Severity Index)

Most widely used measurement tool that assesses psoriasis and is the “gold standard.” Also assesses severity based on the body surface area affected and plaque severity.

PGA (Physician’s Global Assessment)

A scale used to assess the severity of psoriasis based on visual inspection.

Biologic Therapy

Therapy that uses large, complex protein molecules to target specific aspects of the immune system.

How is psoriases diagnosed?

Solely on appearance.

Assessment of BSA of psoriasis?

Mild is less than 3%, moderate to severe is 3-10%, and severe is more than 10a%

Nail psoriasis

Clinical presentation includes pitting, hyperkeratosis, and onycholysis.

Scalp psoriasis

Redness, silver-gray scaling. Possible pruritus and hair loss.

What PASI (psoriasis area severity index) score is considered “effective?”

PASI 75

What is considered the mainstay treatment for mild psoriasis?

Topical therapy

What is one of the only nonbiologics used for psoriasis?

Otezla (apremilast). Available in oral form and is a targeted molecule that is not a biologic.