PsO

Medical abbreviation · Dermatology

PsO stands for Psoriasis, a dermatology abbreviation.

Chronic immune-mediated disease in which skin cells build up rapidly to form thick, red, silvery-scaled plaques, typically on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. It affects about 3 percent of US adults and is linked to psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease and depression.

Example: Plaque PsO, BSA 12 percent, PASI 14, failed topicals; start IL-23 inhibitor.

Usage notes

The abbreviation PsO is common in drug labeling and clinical trials, where it distinguishes psoriasis from psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Plaque psoriasis is the most common type; others are guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic. Biologic drugs targeting TNF, IL-17 and IL-23 can clear skin almost completely in many patients. It is not contagious.

Related abbreviations

More dermatology abbreviations

• NB-UVB – Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy
• NMSC – Nonmelanoma skin cancer
• PASI – Psoriasis Area and Severity Index
• PDT – Photodynamic therapy
• PIH – Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• PR – Pityriasis rosea
• PUVA – Psoralen plus ultraviolet A
• PV – Pemphigus vulgaris
• SCC – Squamous cell carcinoma
• SD – Seborrheic dermatitis
• SJS – Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• SK – Seborrheic keratosis

See all 52 dermatology abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.