What is paradoxical psoriasis?

Paradoxical psoriasis refers to a rare phenomenon where the use of certain medications, specifically biological drugs commonly used to treat other autoimmune conditions, can cause psoriasis symptoms to flare up or worsen. This is paradoxical because these medications are typically prescribed to suppress the immune system and alleviate symptoms of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease, which are also autoimmune in nature. However, in some cases, these drugs can have the opposite effect and trigger psoriasis, leading to the development or aggravation of skin lesions, redness, itching, and inflammation. The exact reasons behind this paradoxical response are still not fully understood, but it is thought to involve complex interactions between the immune system, the medication, and the underlying genetic predisposition for psoriasis.

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