Abstract Background: Psoriasiform term implies that a lesion clinically or histologically mimics psoriasis. Psoriasiform dermatoses often poses diagnostic dilemma to both pathologists and dermatologists. It is essential to follow a systematic approach and use appropriate clinicopathological correlation to arrive at a diagnosis. Aims and objectives: To study histomorphological features of psoriasiform disorders. Material and methods: This is a prospective study of 57 patients diagnosed clinically as psoriasis or with psoriasis as one of the differential diagnosis. Relevant clinical history and physical examination were noted. The skin biopsies taken after the consent were processed in histopathology laboratory and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. A detailed microscopic study of the histomorphological features was done. Obervations and Resutls: The psoriasiform lesion comprised 6% of the total skin biopsies received in the department of pathology. The age distribution pattern revealed that the highest percentage was in the age group of 21-50 yrs with a male preponderance with a ratio of 1.1:1. Psoriasis was the most common lesion noted in the study. Other psoriasiform disorders were parapsoriasis, Pityriasis rosea, Bowens disease, mycosis fungoides, seborrheic dermatitis. Conclusion: There is certain amount of overlap of both clinical pattern and of psoriasis and psoriasiform disorders. Recognition of these commonly encountered psoriasiform disorders clinically and confirming it on histopathology is the key to correct diagnosis and better patient care.
Keywords: Psoriasiform; Parapsoriasis; Pityriasis Rosea.