Psoriasis historical perspective
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Syed Hassan A. Kazmi BSc, MD [2]
Overview
Psoriasis was first described during ancient times. Psoriasis was referred to as "Tzaraat" in the Bible, although the term also included other skin conditions. Initially, psoriasis, leprosy, and other inflammatory skin conditions were thought to be the same, but with the advancement of medical science, psoriasis became known to be a separate entity. In the 1960s and 1970s, the understanding of the pathophysiology of psoriasis advanced substantially following histopathological study of the disease. During the 20th century, psoriasis was further differentiated into specific sub-types.
Historical Perspective
- Psoriasis is one of the longest-known illnesses afflicting humans and one of the most widely misunderstood.[1]
- Psoriasis was first described during ancient times; it was referred to as "Tzaraat" in the Bible, although the term also included other skin conditions.
- In ancient times, psoriasis, leprosy, and other inflammatory skin conditions were thought to be the same entity.
- In the late 18th century, English dermatologists Robert Willan and Thomas Bateman differentiated psoriasis from other skin diseases, calling it Willan's lepra. They assigned names to the condition based on the appearance of lesions.
- In the 19th century, psoriasis was described as a separate disease after clinical descriptions separated it from other conditions.
- In 1841, Viennese dermatologist Ferdinand von Hebra finally named the condition psoriasis, differentiating it from leprosy.
- The word psoriasis originates from the Greek word psora, which means to itch.[2]
- In 1960s and 1970s, the understanding of the pathophysiology of psoriasis advanced substantially following histopathological study of the disease.
- During the 20th century, psoriasis was further differentiated into specific sub-types.
Landmark events in the development of treatment strategies
- Ancient Egyptians applied cat feces to red lesions on the skin, which was one of the earliest topical treatments employed in the management of psoriasis.
- Other known ancient treatments include the application of onions, sea salt, urine, goose oil and semen, wasp droppings in sycamore milk, and soup made from vipers topically on the skin.
- In the Victorian and Edwardian eras, sulfur was fashionable as a treatment for psoriasis. It has recently regained some credibility as a safe alternative to steroids and coal tar.
- During the 18th and 19th centuries, dermatologists used to apply Fowler's solution, which contains a poisonous and carcinogenic arsenic compound, as a treatment for psoriasis.
- During the middle of the 20th century, Grenz Rays (also called ultrasoft x-rays or Bucky rays) was a popular treatment of psoriasis.
- During 1950-1960, undecylenic acid was investigated and used to treat psoriasis.[3]
References
- ↑ Shai A, Vardy D, Zvulunov A (2002). "[Psoriasis, biblical afflictions and patients' dignity]". Harefuah (in Hebrew). 141 (5): 479–82, 496. PMID 12073533.
- ↑ Glickman FS (1986). "Lepra, psora, psoriasis". J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 14 (5 Pt 1): 863–6. PMID 3519699.
- ↑ Ereaux L, Craig G (1949). "The Oral Administration Of Undecylenic Acid In The Treatment Of Psoriasis" (PDF). Canad. M. A. J. 61: 361–4. Retrieved 2007-01-05. Unknown parameter
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