Modern molecular genetic techniques allow identification of susceptibility genes in common diseases where the mode of inheritance is not obvious and there are no readily identifiable candidate genes. Considerable progress has been made in mapping susceptibility genes in psoriasis. Several loci have now been identified including a replicated locus within the major histocompatibility complex on chromosome 6p. There are many clinical and therapeutic benefits likely to result from such research. These include identification of disease specific biological pathways, development of animal models, development of diagnostic tests and future development of novel therapies.
Psoriasis is a chronic disease with profound social implications.
When patients are asked about the worst aspect of having psoriasis, most of them answer that it is the appearance and consequent embarrassment. Dermatological diseases all have a strong impact on the patient's psyche because of their visibility. The onset of psoriasis in childhood or adolescence can magnify the psychological aspects of the disease. Attempts have been made to quantify stress and to identify its relationship to skin disease. Although studies on the relationship between stress and psoriasis are often at variance, there seems to be a subgroup of patients in whom stress is a precipitating factor.