Psoriasis in the patient with human immunodeficiency virus, part 1: review of pathogenesis.

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated skin disease affecting approximately 1% to 3% of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected population. The presentation of psoriasis in patients with HIV varies. It either presents as the first clinical manifestation of HIV or, less commonly, appears in the advanced stages of HIV when it has progressed to AIDS. This 2-part series reviews the pathogenesis of HIV-associated psoriasis as well as the various therapeutic regimens that have effectively treated psoriasis in patients with HIV These therapies address the profound immune dysregulation that defines psoriasis. The first part of the series focuses on the pathogenesis of HIV-associated psoriasis.