a twenty year old male comes to the dermatology clinic compl

a twenty year old male comes to the dermatology clinic complaining of patches of chronic, itchy rashes on his scal. He\'s been unsuccssful with dandruff shampoo. Upon physical examination, salmon-colored plaques with silvery scales were also over his elbows and other extensor surfaces of his upper and lower limbs. A biopsy of the lesion was taken and numerous small, pinpoint bleeding were noted on the scraped lesion. The patient related that his condition comes and goes, and is more prominent when he\'s stressed and during the winter.

1) what is the likely diagnosis?

2) Discuss the pathologic mechanism behind your diagnosis.

3) List possible treatment for this condition.

Solution

1. The disease is diagnosed on clinical basis. The diagnosed disease is psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that speeds up the growth of skin cells and dry , itchy and sometimes painful lesions on your body. It causes symmetrical, well defined, itchy, bright red raised patches or plaques which are covered by silvery scales. The plaques can appear in most parts of the body but are found more in knees, elbows, shins etc.

2 There is no specific testing or diagnostic test for psoriasis. But laboratory investigation like rheumatoid factor level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, uric acid level and fugal infections test are done to validate this condition.

3. Most important treatment of psoriasis is salicylic acid. Some doctors recommend salicylic acid ointment, which soothe the skin by promoting shedding of psoriatic scales.