Psoriasis

Abstract

Psoriasis is a common chronic skin disorder, affecting 0.5-4% in world population. Disease characterized by sharply demarcated erythematous plaque covered with silvery scale, affects skin, nail and joint but not hair. The disease varies in severity depending on inheritance and environmental factors.
For many years, psoriasis was thought to be a mainly epidermal disease. In last few years, molecular genetics and immunology have permitted novel insight into the pathophysiology of psoriasis. Recently psoriasis is considered to be a T-cell mediated autoimmune disease occurring in genetic susceptibility person. The development of skin lesion result from T type-I cytokine pattern. The mode of transmission of psoriasis may be variable. The involvement of more than one gene (multilocus model) was suggest by some authors. Nevertheless, the extent of genetic heterogeneity and the role of environmental trigger and modifier gene is still not clear. The further investigation is required to elucidate the genetic and pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Management of psoriasis ranges from topical therapies for mild disease to systemic therapies for more widespread disease. Despite the many treatments available, the adverse effect or inadequate efficacy of available therapies have created a need for safer and more effective treatment. Novel insight into the pathophysiology of psoriasis have suggested several new systemic immunomodulatory therapies. Some are currently in clinical development and results of recent clinical trials are remarkable.