Key Points
■■Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition affecting up to
2.3% of the population
■■Autoimmune disease with genetic links associated with
hyperproliferation of keratinocytes in the epidermis
■■Triggers for exacerbations are stress, cold, infection, trauma
and alcohol
■■Symptoms and signs vary with the site of the lesions
■■Assessment of severity and extent of skin symptoms and
effect on physical, psychological and social wellbeing
■■Treatment choices include topical corticosteroids, vitamin D
analogues, coal tar and dithranol
■■Referral to specialist if diagnosis in doubt, failure to respond to
treatment, or if phototherapy is indicated
■■Urgent referral to specialist for generalised pustulosis or
erythroderma.