Erythematous Scaly Plaques

Abstract

Psoriasis accounts for 4% of all dermatoses seen in children under 16 years of age Classical lesions of plaque psoriasis are well defined, round, intensely erythematous, and covered with silver white scale In histology, accumulation of neutrophils within a pustule is referred to as the “spongiform pustule of Kogoj” and the accumulation of neutrophils remnants in stratum corneum surrounded by parakeratosis is called “micro abscess of Munro” Auspitz sign is appearance of pin-point bleeding spots when scale is removed from plaque, caused by rupture of dilated capillaries beneath the thinned suprapapillary epidermis Koebner phenomenon is characterised by formation of new psoriatic lesions in otherwise healthy skin Therapeutic modalities for psoriasis are topical therapy, photochemotherapy and systemic therapy Topical therapy includes corticosteroids, vitamin D3 analogues, anthralin, tazarotene, salicylic acid, coal tar and calcineurin inhibitors Obesity, metabolic syndrome and higher risk for developing Crohn’s disease are complications of childhood psoriasis