NARRATIVE REVIEW OF PSORIASIS: PATHOGENESIS, CLINICAL FEATURES AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects approximately 2-3% of the global population. It is characterized by red, scaly, and itchy patches on the skin that can cause signicant discomfort and have a negative impact on patients' quality of life. Despite being a well-known condition, the pathogenesis of psoriasis remains poorly understood, and there is no cure for the disease. Therefore, the management of psoriasis primarily focuses on symptom relief and improving patients' quality of life. The epidemiology of psoriasis varies by geographic location, ethnicity, and age, with some studies suggesting a higher prevalence among certain populations. The most common subtype of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, which is characterized by erythematous plaques covered with silvery scales. Other clinical subtypes include guttate psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis, and inverse psoriasis. Each subtype has unique clinical features and requires specic management strategies. Epidemiological studies have identied several risk factors for psoriasis, including family history, smoking, obesity, and stress. The exact mechanisms by which these factors contribute to the development and progression of psoriasis are not fully understood. However, it is thought that genetic and environmental factors interact to disrupt the normal immune response and trigger the inammatory cascade that drives psoriasis pathogenesis.