Tonsillectomy as a treatment for psoriasis: a review

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Immunology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition affecting 1-3% of the global population.
• Streptococcal infections, particularly pharyngitis, can trigger psoriasis by sensitizing T cells to skin keratin epitopes.
• Palatine tonsils, as immunological organs, may generate autoreactive T cells contributing to skin diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence for tonsillectomy as a treatment for palmoplantar pustulosis and psoriasis.
• To explore the role of tonsils in the pathogenesis of skin diseases.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and clinical studies on tonsillectomy for psoriasis and palmoplantar pustulosis.
• Discussion of molecular studies investigating the tonsil-skin disease connection.

Main Results:

• Tonsillectomy has been used in Japan for palmoplantar pustulosis and subsequently for plaque and guttate psoriasis.
• A randomized, controlled clinical trial of tonsillectomy for psoriasis has recently been conducted.

Conclusions:

• Tonsillectomy is an investigated treatment for psoriasis and palmoplantar pustulosis, with growing clinical evidence.
• Further research, including molecular studies, is needed to fully understand the tonsils' role in these skin conditions.