Manifestations of Psoriasis: Turn-of-the-Century Medical Photographs

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Psoriasis Annulata

Psoriasis Manum

Psoriasis Punctata

Psoriasis Circinata

Psoriasis Circinata

Psoriasis Diffusa

Psoriasis Guttate

Psoriasis Circinata

‘Psoriasis’ was one of the first skin diseases to be described. It was even referenced in the Old Testament, where the term ‘lepra’ was used to identify it; however, lepra was utilized for a wide variety of skin diseases, including a potpourri of conditions from leprosy to elephantiasis to vitiligo. Psoriasis has a wide spectrum of clinical expressions, and as a result has long been confused or lumped with numerous other skin diseases, including tuberculosis and syphilis. Psoriasis has been a confusing disease to identify because of the many patterns it displays and because a variety of different patterns may exist in the same patient. In essence, each psoriasis patient presents as a unique case of the disease. Today, some of the patterns and expressions of psoriasis are identified as plaque, pustular, guttate, inverse, erythrodermic, nail and arthritic. Psoriasis is a non-contagious chronic condition that most commonly appears as an inflamed edematous cutaneous lesion with built up silvery white scales, which form as a plaque. It is believed to be caused by unusually rapid growth of skin cells due to a derangement in the immune system. Drugs that affect the growth of cells, such as the anti-metabolites traditionally used in cancer treatment, have been used to treat psoriasis.