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What is the pathophysiology behind psoriasis and how does it affect the immune system?

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What is the pathophysiology behind psoriasis and how does it affect the immune system?

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Psoriasis can be classified as excessively and rapid growth at the epidermal layer of the skin. Skin cells regenerate every 3-5 days instead of every 28-30 days.

The “immune” cells found within the skin layers, (t cells, macrophages and dendritic cells) are believed to prematurely produce chemical signaling to the keratinocytes causing them to mature too early. The subsequent pathways are inflammatory and are believed to cause the proliferation of keratinocytes. The now excessive growth lies in patches of red, flakey skin that sits at the surface.

In the immune system, T- cells are floating around naturally. It is unknown as to why, but in psoriatic patients, their activated T-cells end up in their skin. This is believed to be due to genetic predisposition.  The exact antigens that activate T-cells for psoriasis are also still unknown, but infections such as strep throat are believed to be possible culprits. Once the T-cells are activated, the immune system releases cytokines which produce an immune-response that triggers the proliferation of skin cells.

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What are the most effective treatments for
psoriasis, and what are their mechanisms of action on the human body? 

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What are the most effective treatments for
psoriasis, and what are their mechanisms of action on the human body? 

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Biologics are a treatment option for psoriasis. They are administered via injections and block specific protein that bind to T-cells, thus preventing the over activity from the immune system.

There are also systemic medications available to patients. Some medications are Soriatane which provides an oral synthetic source of vitamin A, cyclosporine which is an immunosuppressant, and Methotrexate which inhibits enzymatic activity in the layers of the skin. There are also several non FDA approved drugs that seem to be working on patients.

Phototherapy is another alternative to drugs, this works by exposing the skin to small amount of UV light (or just be outside in the sun). The UV lights penetrate the skin layers and are suspected to slow the growth of the out of control skin cells. Physicians do not support the use of tanning beds as an alternative to phototherapy. Phototherapy is administered under the supervision of a doctor, or is done at home with a kit.

Most patients start out with a topical cream, these contain salicylic acid and coal tar. These two active ingredients are paired with soothing substances such as aloe, zinc etc. The cream is meant to promote removal of excess skin and help soothe and calm irrataion.

Talking to your physician is the best way to figure out which treatment option is the best. Most treatment plans coincide with several side effects.

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Symptoms | Types | Treatments | Research | Finding a Cure | Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis - National Psoriasis Foundation. (n.d.).Symptoms | Types | Treatments | Research | Finding a Cure | Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis - National Psoriasis Foundation. Retrieved May 1, 2014, from https://www.psoriasis.org/

. (n.d.).. Retrieved May 1, 2014, from http://web.a.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=3&sid=184812f3-a132-4682-ae88-720c7ef3a5ca%40sessionmgr4004&hid=4206

. (n.d.).. Retrieved May 1, 2014, from http://web.a.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=3&sid=59d6a371-b3db-4472-ba78-70d962605508%40sessionmgr4002&hid=4206

Psoriasis. (n.d.).Questions and Answers About. Retrieved May 1, 2014, from http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_info/Psoriasis/default.asp