[Lithium-associated psoriasis]

A number of medications including clonidine, digoxin and beta-blockers have been reported to cause psoriasis. Lithium has also been implicated especially among women. We describe a 45-year-old man who developed diffuse psoriatic lesions 1 year after treatment with lithium was started. Various topical dermatological preparations failed to alleviate the lesions. Several weeks after discontinuation of lithium the psoriasis resolved. We discuss the possible mechanisms for lithium-associated psoriasis and alert clinicians to the possibility of this troublesome side-effect in lithium-treated patients, with or without a family history of psoriasis.