Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a non-contagious chronic skin disease of unknown aetiology that typically develops with erythematous patches that are covered by silvery scales. It affects about 1-2% of the population. It is characterised by increased mitotic epidermal activity (increased synthesis and exchange of keratinocytes) associated with inflammatory events. The disease can extend from moderate localised areas (knees, elbows, lumbar-sacral region) to the entire body. It can also concern intimate regions and nails.

In patients with psoriasis, the scalp is often involved and presents an erythematous crown with net edges covered by dry silvery white scales located at the root of the hair and associated with scales, crust, reddening and itching.