Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease seen in all age groups and in males as well as females. It presents as salmon pink thick scaly hyperkeratotic plaques and is seen on any body part including scalp, nails, joints as well as genitals. The plaques in psoriasis are mostly not itchy, but sometimes itching or pain can be seen. The most common type of psoriasis is chronic plaque psoriasis.

The course and progression of the disease is unpredictable. Various factors are supposed to be responsible for causing this disease

• Genetics like HLA Cw6. HLA B27
• Drugs like β-blockers, lithium, antimalarials et
• Infections like streptococcus
• Stress

It is important to differentiate psoriasis from seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, pityriasis rosea and lichen planus and many others. A skin biopsy may be required.

There are many treatment options for Psoriasis. Most commonly used are either topical agents like potent steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, topical keratolytics and vitamin D analogues or systemic agents like methotrexate and cyclosporine. NB-UVB is also effective escp in cases where either its difficult to give medicines or patient is not willing to take medicines. Newer therapies like biological agents, JAK-STAT inhibitors have further increased the cure rates in Psoriasis.