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 and named "Tzaraat" in the Bible, which also included other skin conditions. At first, psoriasis, leprosy and other inflammatory skin conditions were though to be the same but with the advancement of medical science, it became known to be a separate entity. The pathophysiology of psoriasis was described in 1960's and 1970's after histopathological study of the disease. The application of cat feces to red lesions on the skin, for example, was one of the earliest topical treatments employed in ancient Egypt. Onions, sea salt and urine, goose oil and semen, wasp droppings in sycamore milk, and soup made from vipers have all been reported as being ancient treatments. Sulfur was fashionable as a treatment for psoriasis in the Victorian and Edwardian eras and has gained importance again in the modern era as a substitute for other treatments.
Historical Perspective
- Psoriasis is probably one of the longest known illnesses of humans and simultaneously one of the most misunderstood. Some scholars believe psoriasis to have been included among the skin conditions called "Tzaraat" in the Bible.[1]
- 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 and called it as 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 as psoriasis and differentiated it from leprosy.
- The word psoriasis originates from the Greek word psora which means to itch.[2]
- In 1960's and 1970's, the understanding of pathophysiology of psoriasis after histopathological description of the disease, led to a major advancement.
- During the 20th century, psoriasis was further differentiated into specific sub-types.
Historical Treatment
- In ancient Egypt, the application of cat feces to red lesions on the skin, is known as one of the earliest topical treatments employed.
- Other known ancient treatments include application of onions, sea salt and 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 re-gained 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.
- 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 for 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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