Psoriasis – An Overview

Abstract

The main objectives of this review article are to discuss different aspects of psoriasis including its etiology, pathogenesis, co-morbidities, complications and management etc. and to discuss about psychosocial impact & quality of life in the patients of psoriasis. Psoriasis is one of the most common dermatologic diseases affecting upto 2.5 % of world population. The disease psoriasis, most commonly manifests on the skin of the elbows, knees, scalp, lumbosacral areas, intergluteal clefts and glans penis. In 30% of patients, the joints are also affected. The skin is the important organ of communication with the external world and have an eternal relationship with mind (psyche). Therefore, more than a cosmetic nuisance, psoriasis produces anxiety, depression and other psychological problems that affect the quality of life. Psychological factors have traditionally been associated with the onset, development and persistence of psoriasis. Stress is emphasized as one of the major important factors in the initiation or exacerbation of psoriasis. Patients of psoriasis always experience physical, mental and socio-economic embarrassment in the society. This embarrassment leads to mental stress which further causes aggravation of pre-existing disease. Psoriasis is now considered a complex, chronic, multifactorial, inflammatory disease with involvement of immunological, genetic and environmental factors.