Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease that causes inflamed, scaly skin plaques and can also affect the joints and nails. Its course often alternates between flare-ups and periods of improvement.

Interleukin-23: Interleukin-23 is an immune-signaling protein that supports inflammatory T-cell responses. It helps sustain the immune pathway that drives many psoriasis plaques.
Topical corticosteroid: A topical corticosteroid is an anti-inflammatory medicine applied to the skin. It is commonly used to reduce inflammation in localized plaques.
Plaque psoriasis: Plaque psoriasis is the most common form, marked by raised, sharply defined scaly patches. It is the characteristic presentation described by psoriasis plaques.
Atopic dermatitis: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by itch and a disrupted skin barrier. It can resemble psoriasis, but its typical distribution and biology differ.
Interleukin-17: Interleukin-17 is a family of cytokines involved in inflammation and defense against extracellular pathogens. Its signaling recruits inflammation and accelerates changes in psoriatic skin.
Phototherapy: Phototherapy uses controlled ultraviolet or other light exposure to treat disease. Narrowband UVB can improve widespread psoriasis when topical treatment is insufficient.
Guttate psoriasis: Guttate psoriasis produces numerous small, drop-shaped lesions, often after a streptococcal infection. Its sudden, scattered lesions differ from the usual persistent plaques.
Seborrheic dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition affecting oil-rich areas such as the scalp and face. Scalp scaling can mimic psoriasis, though the lesions usually have different features.
Keratinocyte: A keratinocyte is the predominant cell type in the outer layer of the epidermis. These skin cells multiply and mature abnormally within psoriasis plaques.
Methotrexate: Methotrexate is an antimetabolite medicine used at low doses to suppress immune activity. It is a systemic option for extensive skin disease or associated arthritis.

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