More Facts About Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that affects about 2 out of every 100 people. The condition most commonly presents as red, scaly patches on the skin. Areas most often affected include the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back, but it can occur anywhere on the skin. Although it can be so mild that a person hardly knows they have it, it can sometimes be a nearly cover the entire body. Fingernails and toenails can be affected, usually with small indentations called "pits". Nail discoloration, thickening, and crumbling can also occur. About one quarter of people with psoriasis will also develop joint disease associated with psoriasis, known as psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes red patches with silver scale to develop on the skin, most often on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back.

It is not known what causes psoriasis, but a combination of genetic risk and environmental triggers are believed to increase a person's risk of the condition. Recent discoveries suggest that psoriasis involves an abnormality in our own immune system. When white blood cells are triggered, they create inflammation in the skin and the development of the scaly patches. Psoriasis is more likely to occur in people who have family members with the disease. Research is underway to determine the genetic variations that lead to psoriasis.

Although psoriasis is not curable, it can usually be controlled with treatment. Treatment is "tailored" to an individual patient's needs. For limited areas of involvement, topical medications (those that are applied directly to the skin) are often prescribed. For patients who do not respond well to topical mediations or who have more severe disease, dermatologists can prescribe ultraviolet light therapy (medical tanning beds), oral medications (methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin, and others), or injectable medications known as "biologics". New treatments are continually under development by researchers and the pharmaceutical industry.

For more information about psoriasis visit the National Psoriasis Foundation website and contact your local dermatologist.