Psoriasis

Psoriasis is characterized as a chronic autoimmune disorder that expedites the skin cell life cycle, resulting in erythematous patches and silvery scales. This condition is influenced by both genetic predispositions and environmental factors (NIH, Harvard Medical School). Western medicine identifies five primary types: Guttate, Pustular, Plaque, Inverse, and Erythrodermic, each with unique clinical manifestations (National Psoriasis Foundation). Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers an alternative perspective, attributing psoriasis to two primary disharmony patterns: damp-cold and phlegm fluids in the limbs, which are related to spleen qi or yang deficiency (TCM doctrines, WHO). Western and TCM paradigms provide nuanced approaches for diagnosing and managing this complex dermatological condition (FDA, USDA).