Psoriasis: pathophysiology and oral manifestations

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic, remitting and relapsing inflammatory skin disorder with a strong genetic predisposition. Psoriasis affects 1–3% of the world's population in their early lives representing a disabling condition with significant social and economic impact. Despite a great deal of research on the etiology and tissue destruction mechanisms, the disease is not well understood. The purpose of this paper is to provide current information from the literature with a special focus on oral manifestations. The major signs and symptoms presented in the oral environment of a psoriasis patient may include geographic tongue, fissure tongue, gingival and/or mucosal lesions. Inflammatory temporomandibular joint lesions have been reported in less than 5% of psoriasis patients. Multiple treatment strategies, be they topical or systemic, have been applied to these patients for symptom relief but not for cure.

Oral psoriasis: an atypical case

“…Oral lesions of psoriasis are very uncommon and their existence is still disputed [5][6][7], because neither the clinical nor the histological changes are absolutely specific [1,2,5,8]. Nevertheless, for some authors a diagnosis of oral lesions of 4.…”

“…psoriasis can be proposed when their clinical course runs parallel to that of the skin and is supported by histologic examination [1,2,5,6,8,9].…”

“…Approximately 1-3% of the global population is affected and 50% of cases appear before the second decade of life [2]. It is characterized by erythematous papules covered by silvery scales, that gradually enlarge at the periphery, forming plaques.…”

“…Its etiology remains unknown, but it appears to be multifactorial with genetic and psychosomatic factors. Various triggers, such as trauma, infection and stress, may cause new episodes [2].…”

“…Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the skin [1,2]. Approximately 1-3% of the global population is affected and 50% of cases appear before the second decade of life [2].…”