Australian Doctor Australian Doctor 12 May 2017 | Page 17

How to Treat PULL-OUT SECTION www.australiandoctor.com.au C COMPLETE HOW TO TREAT QUIZZES ONLINE www.australiandoctor.com.au/cpd to earn CPD or PDP points. w INSIDE Epidemiology and aetiology Pathophysiology Diagnosis Management Case studies THE AUTHORS DR NISHANT VALECHA research fellow, Woden Dermatology, Phillip, ACT. DR DIANA RUBEL dermatologist, Woden Dermatology, Phillip, ACT and senior lecturer, ANU, ACT. Psoriasis Background PSORIASIS is a common, chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder characterised by epidermal hyper- proliferation and inflammation. 1-3 It usually presents as well-demarcated, monomorphic, indurated erythe- matous plaques, covered by silvery scaling skin. 1,2 Although the disorder primar- ily affects the skin, involvement of nails and joints (psoriatic disease) may be present in a large propor- tion of people with the condition. 1,2 Our understanding of how pso- riasis involves both the innate and adaptive immune system has gradually evolved, and led to rev- olutionary advancements in the development of targeted therapies for moderate to severe psoriasis — namely the biologics. 1,2 Proper treatment is important as the condition carries both a physi- cal burden (itching, pain) and a www.australiandoctor.com.au psychological one (anxiety, depres- sion). 2 This article aims to present an overview of the condition’s aetiol- ogy and pathophysiology, and to offer a practical guide for manage- ment in general practice. cont’d next page Copyright © 2017 Australian Doctor All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, email: [email protected] 12 May 2017 | Australian Doctor | 17