Bioethics and Psoriasis

Abstract

We have presented the clinical, epidemiological, microbiological, pathological, immunopathological, serological, and therapeutic studies showing how the streptococcus may be strongly linked to psoriasis. With this as background, we have presented three ethical arguments that are cogent for psoriasis. First, this microbial "pathogen" theory is both ignored and overlooked even with the abundance of evidence supporting it. That being the case, current treatments, consequently, are aimed not at the onset of the disease, but much later in the pathogenic cascade. Last, the continued use of "biologics" or costly immunosuppressives, which are not curative, presents bioethical challenges. We consider psoriasis a sequela of streptococcal infection similar to rheumatic fever, where treatment, at the earliest stages of the disease, has resulted in its disappearance.