Psoriasis

What is psoriasis?

The word psoriasis comes from Ancient Greece and means “to itch”. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that causes scaling and swelling. Psoriasis often runs in families and is rarely found in the elderly and infants. Psoriasis is NOT contagious.

Who gets psoriasis?

Psoriasis equally affects both men and women at about the same rate. Anyone can get psoriasis, but is most often found in adults.

What causes psoriasis?

The exact cause of psoriasis is still unknown. It is thought to be an immune system disorder. “T cells” that normally protect the body from infection trigger the inflammation and excessive skin cell reproduction. Some other possible factors may include, but are not limited to: climate. infection, stress, genetics, certain medications and physical trauma.

Types of psoriasis:

There is more than one type of psoriasis and is possible to have more than one type of psoriasis present at the same time

• Plaque psoriasis

   This is the most common type of psoriasis (90%). Red, thick, scaly plaques found on the elbows, knees, buttocks and head.

• Erythrodemic psoriasis

  An uncommon type of psoriasis that is characterized by scaling and redness of the total body surface.

• Guttate psoriasis

  Often seen in children and young adults. Small red spots that are scattered and tend to appear on the chest, back, arms and legs.

• Inverse psoriasis

  Occurs in the body folds: armpits, breasts, groin, etc.

• Pustular psoriasis

  Looks like tiny pimples and/or pustules that usually occur on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet (white pustules surrounded by red skin).

What can help control my psoriasis?

There are many different forms of treatment available for those that are affected by psoriasis:

• Ultraviolet light (UVB)
• Topical agent such as creams, lotions and shampoo
• Oral medications (pills)
• Biologics (injections)