The inflammatory skin condition of psoriasis
is a common problem affecting up to 2.2%
of the population (Parisi et al, 2013). There is
hyperproliferation of keratinocytes in the epidermis
and an increased epidermal cell turnover rate.
Psoriasis most commonly presents in the late teens
and in adults aged 50–60 years old. Up to 15% will
first have symptoms in childhood. It then runs
a course in which the lesions are persistent or
chronic, or may undergo episodes of exacerbation
and remission. Remission may be complete, but
not necessarily permanent. There is a genetic
predisposition to the development of psoriasis, which
is considered to be an autoimmune disease; patients
will often give a family history of other relatives with
the condition. Factors such as stress, cold, trauma,
infection and alcohol may seem to be related to
exacerbations, while heat, sun or pregnancy may be
associated with improvement (Meffert, 2014).