A chronic, non-contagious skin disease characterized by inflammation, itching and scaling.
It is of autoimmune cause and has a hereditary component.
It occurs in outbreaks, with disease-free periods and others with symptoms of varying severity. It appears as silvery plaques of variable size, dark red in color and with well-defined borders. When scratching the skin, a multitude of scales are detached from these plaques. It usually affects the scalp, face, back, palms of the hands, soles of the feet and elbows, but can affect any area of the body.
Diagnosis is made by clinical history and physical examination; in some cases, it may be necessary to take a skin biopsy.
It is not completely curable, but outbreaks and their symptoms can be reduced with phototherapy. In mild cases, local treatment with emollients, topical corticosteroids, etc. may be sufficient. In severe cases or those resistant to local treatment, it may be necessary to use intravenous drugs that reduce the autoimmune response.
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