Question

A 14 yr. old Caucasian female presents at the clinic complaining of ugly patches of skin on her elbows and knees. Patient states skin has been this way for years but gets worse with stress. Patient states concern that her Rheumatoid Arthritis has increased her stress level. She has no complaints of itching, or drainage. Patient states she does not have any allergies that she knows of.

Assessment: Bilateral elbows and knees have scaly, erythematous patches. There are silvery scales showing. There is no drainage or broken skin present. Patient states lesions are not painful.

5. What is the possible disease process ?

Answer 1

5. Her disease as per assessment findings is psoriasis.

                   * Because in psoriasis,

                                         * Scaly,erythematous patches of bilateral elbows and knees are common

                                            due to producing epidermal cells faster than normal.

                                         * Stress aggravate the condition.