The approach to psoriasis

Abstract

It is suggested that psoriasis is a constitutional disorder in which the fundamental maladjustment relates to climate. There is a tendency for the disease to be inherited and so to be associated with some racial predisposition. Though climatic influences are primary and fundamental, secondary influences, such as the infective, endocrine, and nervous, may assume major importance. The significance of the epidermal character of the reaction is stressed, and fundamental research into the mechanism of the reaction is necessary. Treatment can be rapidly effective in clearing the eruption, and a hospital service should be provided for the treatment of psoriasis under the health scheme. Such a scheme, in addition to providing a necessary service to the community, would favour the pursuit of purposeful research, both clinical and fundamental. © 1953, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.