Information about Psoriasis     What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis may be described as a chronic skin disorder recognized by the presence of reddened patches, partially or totally covered by dry, itchy scales (or plaques) that are grayish-white in color.  These patches are most commonly found on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.  They may however, show up anywhere on the body and, in the most severe cases, will virtually cover the entire body.
 
If you are not sure you have psoriasis, it is important that you consult your physician or dermatologist to properly  diagnose the condition.
 
Who Gets Psoriasis?
Anyone can get psoriasis.  According to estimates from the National Psoriasis Foundation, each year the initial episode of psoriasis occurs in 150,000 people, adding to the millions of current sufferers in the United States alone.
 
About equal numbers of males and females suffer from psoriasis.  Generally, it first appears between the ages of 16 and 35.  It is not uncommon, however, for psoriasis to first occur after the age of 50.
 
Psoriasis is not contagious but it is more likely to occur in individuals whose family members have it.
 
What Causes Psoriasis?
The exact causes of psoriasis are still unknown, but we do know something about factors that may play a role in the onset of psoriasis.
 
Psoriasis results from overproduction of the cells of the top layer of the skin (the epidermis).  In a person with psoriasis, skin cells form and mature in 3 to 4 days versus the normal 28 to 30 days.  The result of this overproduction is excessive cells that mound up, thicken the skin and form the red, scaly patches known as psoriasis.
 
Heredity is believed to play a role in who gets psoriasis.  If your parents had psoriasis, you're probably more likely to have it as well.
 
Skin irritations or trauma may trigger psoriasis.  It is not uncommon for a person to experience their first episode approximately two weeks after their skin is cut, scratched, rubbed or severely sunburned.
 
Emotional stress may also contribute to psoriasis.  Some people attribute their first occurrence or subsequent flare-ups to a time when they had added stress.
 
Psoriasis may also be triggered by some infections such as strep throat and possibly by certain prescription medications.
 
Oftentimes, psoriasis flare-ups increase during winter months when people who live in colder climates suffer from dry, itchy skin and reduced humidity.
 
Psoriasis is unpredictable.  It may flare-up at any time, go into remission or persist for a long time in the form of a few red patches covered by scales.
 
Can It Be Cured?
There is no known cure at the present time.  Fortunately, most psoriasis symptoms can be relieved with currently available medications.
 
What Can Be Done About Psoriasis?
Fortunately, treatment of psoriasis can relieve the symptoms and discomfort in most cases.  In addition, the goal in treating psoriasis is to slow down the overproduction of skin cells.
 
We recommend you see your physician or dermatologist to properly treat psoriasis.