PREDOMINANT FEATURES: Psoriasis is a frequent inflammatory dermatosis. All age groups are involved. The typical lesion is a well-limited erythemato-squamaous non-pruriginous lesion. All skin areas may be involved but each individual has preferential zones.
Clinical course: This chronic condition progresses by acute flare-ups which occur at variable frequency and with variable intensity.
Severity: Although psoriasis is a benign dermatosis, the psychosocial impact must not be overlooked. Life-threatening forms do occur (generalized or erythrodermic pustulous psoriasis).
Special forms: HIV serology would be advisable if sudden aggravation occurs in a patient with no known triggering factor. Late onset psoriasis in a patient with no familial history or particular risk factors may also suggest possible HIV infection.