Histomorphological Differentiation Between Psoriasis and Psoriasiform Dermatoses: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Introduction: Psoriasis is a common chronic immune-mediated skin disease which frequently mimic with psoriasiform dermatoses clinically and histologically. However, distinguishing them based on micromorphological features is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Histopathology is considered as gold standard for diagnosis but some time it’s confusing and inconclusive.

Aim: To differentiate psoriasis from psoriasiform dermatoses using specific histopathological features on routine haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained sections.

Materials and Methods: A total of 60 skin biopsies, including 30 each of psoriasis and psoriasiform dermatoses, were analysed. Key epidermal and dermal features were graded and statistically compared.

Results: Psoriasis showed characteristic confluent parakeratosis, regular acanthosis, suprapapillary thinning, and Munro micro abscesses on other side Psoriasiform dermatoses showed variable hyperkeratosis, irregular acanthosis, and minimal neutrophilic infiltration. These distinctions were statistically significant.

Conclusion: Routine histopathology provides reliable criteria to differentiate psoriasis from psoriasiform dermatoses, aiding in accurate diagnosis when clinical overlap occurs.