Major Depression and Psoriasis: A Psychodermatological Phenomenon.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper was to highlight the mechanisms involved and the relationship between depression and psoriasis. METHOD: A comprehensive literature search was performed in various databases, and finally 88 studies were deemed relevant. RESULTS: A significant link was found between depression and psoriasis, primarily through immune mechanisms related but not limited to the actions of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 1 (IL-1), IL-2, IL-10, interferon-γ, IL-1ß, prostaglandin E2, C-reactive protein, IL-6, and IL-8. CONCLUSION: Various neuroimmunological studies point towards the notion that depression and psoriasis are associated with each other. Melatonin has also been found to be associated with both conditions. A possibility exists that both conditions can cause each other due to the possible bidirectional relationship of psoriasis and major depression. However, if this is the case, then why all depressed patients fail to develop psoriasis and why all psoriatic patients fail to develop depression remains a question unanswered. We believe that future studies will unmask this mystery.

Ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in dermatology.

Ethnic and socioeconomic disparities exist within healthcare. Specifically, minority group members experience more deleterious health outcomes than do majority group members. In this paper, we explore the factors that influence such variety, with a focus on the field of dermatology, in an attempt to understand the ways to improve minority group results. We also highlight how the prevalence of mental health issues within minority group and low socioeconomic status individuals can differentially influence dermatological disease states, such as the relationship between depression and psoriasis.

Localized scleroderma variants: pharmacologic implications.

Scleroderma, a complex syndrome, is a disease with varied, yet presumably related subtypes. We searched articles relating to localized scleroderma. By detailing these similarities and differences we gain increased knowledge. Furthermore, by understanding parallels and dissimilarities, possible mechanisms and interventions should be clarified.