Localization of Skin Lesions in Images Using the U-Net Architecture

<p>Psoriasis is an inflammatory chronic skin disorder that affects 2%-3% of the global population including 1%-5% of children (Parisi & Symmons 2013). According to Cameron and Voohees (2014) and Perera et al. (2012) psoriasis is a bimodal illness that has a large onset around age 20-30 and a subsequent lower peak onset around age 50-60. Although the precise cause of psoriasis is still unknown a number of important factors are thought to be involved including immune system dysfunction environmental triggers disturbance of the skin barrier and genetic vulnerability (Raychaudhuri et al. 2014). Psoriasis has five major categories: guttate pustular inverse vulgaris (plaque) and erythrodermic. Plaque psoriasis accounts for around 85% to 90% of cases of psoriasis making it the most common type (Griffiths & Barker 2007). In the majority of cases psoriasis causes severe physical and psychological suffering and disability which negatively impacts the quality of life of the patient. Psoriasis sufferers frequently experience feelings of shame and guilt and the condition stigmatises them (Hrehorow et al. 2012). Psoriasis has been observed to have an influence on patients' interpersonal connections as well as their sexual well-being and ability for intimacy (de Korte et al. 2004 Kimball et al. 2005). </p>