Doctor Robert Willan was the first to accurately describe the different types of psoriasis in the early 1800s. In the early 1960s, experts found that psoriasis was an autoimmune disorder, and modern treatment began in the mid-1900s.
In 1809, the English doctor Robert Willan was the first to develop an accurate description of the different types of psoriasis. While doctors learned more about the condition over the years, a pivotal finding emerged in 1963, when E. J. Van Scott found that psoriasis was an autoimmune disorder.
Modern treatment for this condition became available in the mid-1900s, and doctors still use these treatments today. Options include ultraviolet light and medications to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.
This article discusses the history and discovery of psoriasis and how treatment has changed.
According to the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance, people were aware of psoriasis as early as ancient Greece. Hippocrates wrote some of the first descriptions of skin conditions. However, he classified psoriasis in the same category as leprosy (Hansens disease).
People continued to classify psoriasis in the same category as Hansens disease for several centuries, and as a result, people with psoriasis often experienced stigma and were outcasts from society.
During the Renaissance period, several people wrote books further categorizing skin conditions. Two Italian authors, Girolamo Mercuriale and Bernardino Ramazzini, began to describe different skin conditions, including psoriasis, in their books De Morbius Cutaneis and De Morbis Artificum.
In 1809, the English doctor Robert Willan also categorized skin conditions. He was the first person to provide a description of different types of psoriasis, and he wrote about the progression of the condition.
While Robert Willan was the first person to investigate psoriasis as a separate condition, he still used the term lepra vulgaris, which contributed to people associating psoriasis with leprosy.
In the 1800s, the Austrian physician Ferdinand von Hebra was the first to use modern research techniques to study skin conditions. He also removed lepra from the description of psoriasis.
During this century, French doctors discovered the connection between psoriasis and a form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis.
Other medical professionals of the time continued to make discoveries that led to later research subcategorizing psoriasis. For example, Australian dermatologist William J. Munro discovered mico-abscesses in the top layer of the skin in people with this condition. Later research would find that these abscesses are part of psoriasis vulgaris, a common form of this condition.
Heinrich Kbner made an important discovery during the 19th century. He found that people with psoriasis may also develop psoriatic lesions in previously unaffected areas that have experienced trauma, such as a cut, burn, or bruise. Doctors still use the Kbner phenomenon as a diagnostic tool today.
The 20th century saw various advancements in the classification of psoriasis and its symptoms.
In 1910, Leo von Zumbusch was the first to describe pustular psoriasis, a rare type of psoriasis that causes pustules, blisters, fever, and fatigue.
In 1926, Dr. Woronoff discovered that people with psoriasis may have a pale ring of skin around healing lesions. This halo, or Woronoff ring, is another diagnostic tool that medical professionals use. The appearance of a Woronoff ring may be a sign that psoriasis lesions are healing.
In 1963, E. J. Van Scott found that people with psoriasis have a rapid turnover of cells, which is a marker of an autoimmune condition. This discovery that psoriasis is an autoimmune condition affected the way doctors treated this condition.
A 1973 paper by John M. Moll and Verna Wright linked psoriasis to psoriatic arthritis. This was one of the first research papers to distinguish psoriatic arthritis from rheumatoid arthritis.
The understanding that psoriasis is an autoinflammatory condition rather than a skin disease has led to advances in treatment. In auto-inflammatory conditions, the immune system attacks healthy tissue and cells in the body.
Within the last decade, discoveries in genetics and molecular science have led to a greater understanding of how psoriasis affects people. Researchers now know that the cause is a complex interaction between immunological, environmental, cellular, and genetic factors.
One of the earliest treatments for psoriasis was coal tar. Medical professionals may still recommend using coal tar as a first-line treatment in cases of mild plaque psoriasis. And they may recommend it in combination with other medications for cases of moderate or severe plaque psoriasis.
In the 1920s, William Goeckerman developed Goeckerman therapy, which combined UVB light with coal tar to treat psoriasis. Doctors still use this treatment today for moderate or severe psoriasis.
Throughout the 1900s, experts created several new treatments, such as:
Biologic drugs are the most recent development in the treatment of psoriasis. These drugs interrupt the immune process of the condition, which can help ease its symptoms. A 2018 study reports that biologics are highly effective and lead to dramatic improvements in 8090% of people with psoriasis.
Healthcare professionals may also prescribe topical and oral retinoids, such as acitretin (Soriatane). Experts are also investigating the effectiveness of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which healthcare professionals already use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
People have been aware of psoriasis for centuries and often grouped this condition with leprosy (Hansens disease). Over time, experts began to recategorize this condition and learn more about how it affects the body, eventually discovering it is an autoimmune condition.
Similarly, treatment has evolved over time to become more effective. There are now several options that a doctor may recommend, many of which were first discovered in the 1900s.
Excerpt from:
The discovery and history of psoriasis: What to know - Medical News Today
- What is Psoriasis? (Part 1 of 3) | HealthiNation - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Psoriasis Treatment - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Psoriasis (Understanding Disease: Dermatology) - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- I'm Just Like You - Kids and Psoriasis - 2011 Trailer - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Psoriasis And Me - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Psoriasis?..... - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Natural Treatment For Psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- psoriasis / eczema diet help skin care advice [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- plaque psoriasis picture m3b - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Restless Legs, Arthritis, and Psoriasis Gone Going Gluten Free - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Vitamin D can Cure Psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Reversing Psoriasis With Green Smoothies - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Effectively Treat Psoriasis [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Scalp Treatment for Psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Scalp Psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- How To Treat Psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Research and Markets: Global Psoriasis Drug Pipeline Capsule - 2012 Update [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2012]
- Press Release [Last Updated On: September 19th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 19th, 2012]
- $1.8 million grant supports investigation of psoriasis link to cardiovascular disease [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2012]
- $1.8M Grant Supports Investigation of Psoriasis Link to CVD [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2012]
- Kiwi Company Provides Scalp Relief For Coeliac Community [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2012]
- Community News: Sept. 28 paper [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2012]
- Novartis Psoriasis Drug Shows Promising Results [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2012]
- Novartis data show AIN457 significantly reduced signs and symptoms in patients with hard-to-treat moderate-to-severe ... [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2012]
- International Study Highlights Need to Support Patients With Psoriasis Suffering Feelings of Isolation, Stigmatisation ... [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2012]
- Research and Markets: Psoriasis (Event Driven) [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2012]
- Stiefel receives US FDA approval of Sorilux™ Foam, 0.005% for topical treatment of plaque psoriasis of the scalp [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2012]
- Many options for psoriasis treatments [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2012]
- Study: Psoriasis patients more prone to diabetes [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2012]
- Novartis Progresses with AIN457 [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2012]
- Gum disease linked to psoriasis: study [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2012]
- Gum disease linked to psoriasis: Taiwanese study [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2012]
- Study: People with gum disease 54% more likely to develop psoriasis [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2012]
- Large menu of treatments for psoriasis [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2012]
- Psoriasis Free For Life Guide for Natural Psoriasis Treatment Now Available [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2012]
- Interim Analysis Supports Continuation of Can-Fite's Phase 2/3 Psoriasis Clinical Study with CF101 [Last Updated On: October 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 10th, 2012]
- Research and Markets: Key Findings from Treatment Algorithms: Psoriasis [Last Updated On: October 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 10th, 2012]
- Research and Markets: Psoriasis - Thought Leader Panel 2012 - A Summary of Persepectives from 6 Key Opinion Leaders [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2012]
- People with severe psoriasis nearly twice at risk for diabetes [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2012]
- Idera Pharmaceuticals Announces Completion of Patient Enrollment in Phase 2 Trial of IMO-3100 in Patients with Psoriasis [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2012]
- Psoriasis nearly doubles diabetes risk [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2012]
- Rise in number of Pakistanis suffering from psoriasis [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2012]
- Psoriasis Remedies Book Teaches How to Get Rid of Psoriasis [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2012]
- Psoriasis Patients Twice As Likely To Develop Diabetes [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2012]
- Idera Pharma: Itching For Touch Up... [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2012]
- Psoriasis Mandate Results Released to Mark World Psoriasis Day [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Psoriasis Care Failing Patients [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- UK Survey Calls for Further Education to Help Eliminate Common Misconceptions About Psoriasis [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- International Federation of Psoriasis Associations: Put Psoriasis on the Agenda Now! [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Analysis links psoriasis, diabetes [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Psoriasis isn't skin deep [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Lake Consumer Products Announces Innovative New MG217® Psoriasis Treatment Cream that's Unlike Anything Else on the ... [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Psoriasis and Heart Disease: It's More Than Skin Deep - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- I'm back - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Purifying Lotion - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Dr stephen ferguson ND PhD psoriasis cured - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- NATURES ANTIBIOTIC - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- DIY Face Scrub Natural [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Psoriasis Free For Life E-book... - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Buy: Psoriasis Free For Life Ebook - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Ahava Liquid Salt review by Paola Bassanese Energya Ltd - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Psoriasis Free For Life Ebook - Download - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Psoriasis Free For Life Ebook - Web Link - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Vampire Transformation! - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Evans Dermatology Evans GA - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Psoriasis Treatment Discovery Could Cure Psoriasis New Book Claims [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- My life with Psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Johns Creek Dermatology and Family Medicine Practice Profile - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Radio Psoriasis 2 - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Joel Schlessinger MD Visits the Avene Hydrotherapy Center - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Radio Psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Skin Salvation and Psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Can Psoriasis Treatment Cause Hair Lost? - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Healed from Multiple Sclerosis and psoriasis! RELOAD from thedurianKing - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Psoriasis Natural Treatment - Psoriasis Cure - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- psoriasis getting cure in acupuncture-indian accu touch - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Psoriasis Interview 18010154 - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Psoriasis does not spread by touch - Skin experts - Tv9 - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Psoriasis presentation - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Home Remedies for Scalp Psoriasis - Cure Psoriasis without Medication - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]