The underlying pathophysiology of psoriasis

• Keratinocyte Hyperproliferation: These inflammatory mediators stimulate keratinocytes in the epidermis to proliferate at an accelerated rate, approximately 10 times faster than normal. This rapid cell growth doesn’t allow for proper maturation and shedding of skin cells, resulting in the characteristic buildup of thick, scaly plaques on the skin surface.
• Angiogenesis: The inflammatory process also promotes angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels in the skin. This contributes to the redness and warmth often observed in psoriatic lesions.
• Genetic Predisposition: Psoriasis has a strong genetic component. Multiple genes have been identified that increase an individual’s susceptibility to the disease. The most significant genetic association is with the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I antigen HLA-C*06:02. However, psoriasis is a polygenic disease, meaning that multiple genes interact with environmental factors to determine disease development and severity.
• Environmental Triggers: Various environmental factors can trigger or exacerbate psoriasis in genetically susceptible individuals. These include infections (e.g., streptococcal throat infections), skin injury (Koebner phenomenon), certain medications (e.g., beta-blockers, lithium), stress, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis:

The signs and symptoms of psoriasis can vary depending on the type, severity, and location of the affected skin. Common manifestations include:

• Plaques: Raised, red patches of skin covered with silvery-white scales. These are the most common form (plaque psoriasis) and can occur anywhere on the body, but are frequently found on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
• Scales: Thick, silvery-white buildup of dead skin cells. These scales can be easily scraped off but may bleed if the underlying skin is disturbed.
• Itching and Burning: The affected skin is often itchy and may feel hot or burning. The intensity of itching can range from mild to severe and significantly impact quality of life.
• Thickened, Pitted, or Ridged Nails: Psoriasis can affect the nails, causing changes such as pitting (small depressions), thickening, discoloration (yellow-brown), separation from the nail bed (onycholysis), and the formation of white spots (leukonychia).
• Joint Pain and Stiffness (Psoriatic Arthritis): In some individuals, psoriasis can be associated with psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory condition affecting the joints. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion in the joints.
• Other Forms: Besides plaque psoriasis, other forms exist, including:
  • Guttate psoriasis: Small, drop-like lesions often triggered by streptococcal infections.
  • Inverse psoriasis: Smooth, red lesions in skin folds (e.g., armpits, groin, under breasts).
  • Pustular psoriasis: Small, pus-filled bumps (pustules) on the skin.
  • Erythrodermic psoriasis: A severe form characterized by widespread redness and shedding of the skin.

JE’s report of an increase in symptoms suggests a potential flare-up of her existing psoriasis. Her desire to improve the appearance of her skin highlights the significant impact this condition can have on self-esteem and quality of life.

Potential Treatment Strategies:

Treatment for psoriasis aims to reduce inflammation, slow down the rapid turnover of skin cells, alleviate symptoms, and improve the appearance of the skin. Treatment strategies are often tailored to the individual’s psoriasis type, severity, affected areas, and overall health. Common approaches include:

• Topical Treatments: These are usually the first-line treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis and include:
  • Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation and itching.
  • Vitamin D analogs (calcipotriene, calcitriol): Slow down skin cell growth.
  • Retinoids (tazarotene): Normalize skin cell growth and reduce inflammation.
  • Calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus): Used in sensitive areas like the face and skin folds to reduce inflammation.
  • Salicylic acid: Helps to remove scales.
  • Coal tar: Reduces inflammation, itching, and scaling.
• Phototherapy (Light Therapy): Involves exposing the skin to specific wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light under medical supervision. Common types include:
  • UVB (Ultraviolet B) therapy: Effective for mild to moderate psoriasis.
  • PUVA (Psoralen plus UVA) therapy: Involves taking a photosensitizing medication (psoralen) before UVA exposure, often used for more severe psoriasis.
  • Excimer laser: Delivers targeted UVB light to specific plaques.
• Systemic Medications: Used for moderate to severe psoriasis or when topical treatments and phototherapy are insufficient. These medications work throughout the body and include:
  • Traditional Systemics:
    • Methotrexate: An immunosuppressant that slows down skin cell growth and reduces inflammation.
    • Cyclosporine: An immunosuppressant used for severe, recalcitrant psoriasis.
    • Acitretin: An oral retinoid that helps normalize skin cell growth.
  • Biologics: These are injectable or intravenous medications that target specific components of the immune system involved in psoriasis, such as TNF-α inhibitors (e.g., etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab), IL-17 inhibitors (e.g., secukinumab, ixekizumab), IL-23 inhibitors (e.g., guselkumab, risankizumab, tildrakizumab), and others.
  • Oral Small Molecules: Newer oral medications that also target specific immune pathways, such as apremilast (a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor) and deucravacitinib (a TYK2 inhibitor).
• Combination Therapy: Often, a combination of different treatment modalities (e.g., topical corticosteroids with phototherapy, systemic medication with topical agents) is most effective.

For JE, given her history and reported increase in symptoms, a reassessment of her current treatment plan is necessary. Depending on the severity and extent of her psoriasis, the healthcare provider may consider adjusting her topical medications, initiating phototherapy, or considering systemic medications, especially if her quality of life is significantly impacted.

Evidence-Based Health Promotion Strategies:

Effective health promotion for individuals with psoriasis involves a multifaceted approach focusing on lifestyle modifications, prevention of symptom exacerbation, and mental health support:

• Lifestyle Modifications:
  • Skin Care:
    • Gentle Cleansing: Using mild, fragrance-free cleansers and avoiding harsh soaps that can dry out and irritate the skin.
    • Moisturization: Regular use of thick, emollient moisturizers, especially after bathing, to help hydrate the skin, reduce dryness, and minimize scaling and itching.
    • Avoidance of Irritants: Identifying and avoiding known triggers such as certain fabrics, chemicals, and abrasive scrubbing.
  • Diet: While there is no specific “psoriasis diet,” some individuals report improvement with certain dietary changes. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids may have anti-inflammatory benefits. Limiting processed foods, red meat, and alcohol may also be helpful for some. However, individual responses vary, and drastic dietary changes should be discussed with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian.
  • Weight Management: Obesity can be associated with increased psoriasis severity. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise may help manage symptoms and improve response to treatment.
  • Stress Management: Stress is a known trigger for psoriasis flares. Implementing stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness can be beneficial.
  • Sun Exposure (with caution): Controlled, limited sun exposure can sometimes improve psoriasis symptoms due to its effect on skin cell growth and inflammation. However, it’s crucial to avoid sunburn by using sunscreen on unaffected skin and limiting exposure time, as sunburn can trigger flares.
  • Smoking Cessation: Smoking is associated with increased risk and severity of psoriasis and can reduce the effectiveness of some treatments. Quitting smoking is strongly recommended.