Plaque Psoriasis Essay

Exploration of the Pathogenicity and Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis and Avoiding Comorbidity Plaque psoriasis, otherwise known as psoriasis vulgaris, is a chronic inflammatory disease mainly affecting the skin, nails, scalp and joints (Sidhom, E., Pilmane, M., & Kisis, J., 2016). Psoriasis affects approximately two percent of men and women worldwide, mainly between the ages of fifteen and thirty, and occurs in varying degrees of severity. Clinical manifestations are raised, red lesions with a silvery scale covering the affected area. Lesions usually occur on the limbs, trunk, buttocks, scalp and ears, but they are most commonly on the elbows, knees, and scalp (Weigle, N., & McBane, S. 2013). Psoriasis is not a life threatening conditions, however, the visible nature of this autoimmune disease has a notable impact on the affected persons’ self perception as well as numerous other comorbidities including joint and nail disease (Weigle, et.al, 2013). In fact many of the comorbidities are exacerbated by the treatments. This paper will explore the pathogenicity of psoriasis as well as treatment …show more content…
Some of the more prevalent comorbidities are joint pain and clinical depression. According to Weigle, patients reported low self esteem , reduced social interactions, reduced income and a general interference with daily life. Patients also reported high incidence of depression and loss of trust in their treatment team (Weigle, 2013). Psoriasis can be difficult to treat because the causative factor for the skin lesions is a malfunctional immune response. Many medications that target T cells in the body affect the entire immune system and have dangerous side effects. This is why it is especially important for the psoriasis patients to have individualized treatment that addresses nondermatological manifestations as well as the psychological effects of chronic inflammation and