Related Experiment Videos
Thermosensory abnormalities and blood flow dysfunction in psoriatic skin
G Yosipovitch1, Y H Chan, Y K Tay
1Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston Salem, NC 21757, USA. gyosipov@wfubmc.edu
The British Journal of Dermatology
|September 27, 2003
Summary
Psoriasis patients show abnormal small nerve fiber function, with altered warmth and cold sensations in affected and unaffected skin. This dysfunction is linked to skin barrier issues and may be widespread.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Physiology
Background:
- Psoriasis involves cutaneous nerve fibers and neuropeptides.
- Previous research focused on structural/biochemical aspects, not small nerve fiber function.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate small nerve fiber function in psoriasis patients.
- Compare sensory testing between psoriatic plaques, non-involved skin, and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Computerized psychophysical thermal sensory testing (warmth, cold, heat pain thresholds).
- Laser Doppler imaging for skin blood flow assessment.
- Evaluation before and after barrier perturbation (tape stripping) to assess repair.
Main Results:
- Elevated warm and decreased cold sensation thresholds in psoriatic skin versus controls.
- Abnormalities were more pronounced 1 week post-barrier disruption.
- Non-involved psoriatic skin also showed altered thresholds after tape stripping, indicating generalized dysfunction.
- Elevated skin blood flow in plaques inversely correlated with warm sensation thresholds.
Conclusions:
- Psoriasis is characterized by abnormal thermosensory responses.
- Cutaneous nerve fiber dysfunction in psoriasis extends beyond visible plaques and can be exacerbated by stress.