Psoriasiform
Pronunciation: so-RY-ah-sih-form
Resembling psoriasis in clinical or histological appearance, used to describe eruptions or tissue changes that mimic but are not identical to true psoriasis.
Full Definition
The adjective 'psoriasiform' describes skin findings—clinically or histopathologically—that closely resemble psoriasis without fulfilling all criteria for that diagnosis. Clinically, psoriasiform eruptions may be drug-induced, associated with systemic disease, or represent other inflammatory dermatoses. Histologically, psoriasiform dermatitis is characterised by regular epidermal hyperplasia with elongated rete ridges. Editors must recognise that 'psoriasiform' is a descriptive modifier, not a standalone diagnosis, and must ensure authors do not use it as a synonym for 'psoriasis'. It is commonly seen in histopathology reports, drug reaction case studies, and dermatopathology manuscripts.
Usage
Usage note: Use only as an adjective modifying another noun (e.g., 'psoriasiform eruption', 'psoriasiform dermatitis'). It should not be used as a diagnosis in itself.
In Context
- "The biopsy demonstrated psoriasiform epidermal hyperplasia with focal parakeratosis, consistent with a lichenoid drug reaction." — Dermatopathology report
- "The author's use of 'psoriasiform psoriasis' was flagged as redundant; the correct phrase in context was 'psoriasiform dermatitis'." — Copy-editing correction