MedicalOSCES

Correct Answer : Psoriasis

Explanation :

Nail involvement is frequent in patients with psoriasis, and mild cases are characterized by small pits and yellowish discoloration of the nail plate

Psoriasis is a common chronic skin disease characterised by cutaneous inflammation and epidermal hyperproliferation – lesions appear on any part of the skin, but particularly the scalp, sacral area, and over the extensor aspect of the knees and elbows

• the major manifestation of psoriasis is the chronic skin disease (although psoriatic joint disease is another major morbidity associated with psoriasis)
• psoriatic skin disease is characterised by cutaneous inflammation and epidermal hyperproliferation (normally cells of the epidermal layer renew every 28 days, but in psoriasis the regeneration occurs every 2 to 4 days)
• lesions appear on any part of the skin, but particularly the scalp, lumbosacral area and over the extensor aspect of the knees and elbows
• Characteristically, there are:
• well-defined, raised, erythematous and scaly lesions , which are “salmon pink” or “full rich red” in colour
• surface silvery scale which may be easily removed often leading to pin – point capillary bleeding (Auspitz sign)
• they may or may not itch but this is not usually a prominent feature
• acute disease may manifest as inflammation and erythema while chronic lesions present as typical plaques . In most of the patients psoriasis presents in a chronic course with periods of remission.
• psoriasis is an emotionally and physically debilitating disease which is often underestimated by medical practioners