Please select from the list of medical conditions from the below drop-down list:

• Acne
• Actinic Keratosis
• Albinism
• Alopecia (Baldness)
• Athletes Foot
• Atopic Dermatitis
• Birthmarks
• Cheilitis
• Cold Sores
• Eczema
• Hair Loss
• Hemangioma
• Herpes
• Hyperhidrosis
• Melanoma
• Melasma
• Onychomykosis (Nail Fungus)
• Port Wine Stain
• Psoriasis
• Seborrhea
• Seborrheic Keratosis
• Skin Cancer
• Skin Checks
• Skin Tags
• Vitiligo
• Warts

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) skin disease characterized by scaling and inflammation. Scaling occurs when cells in the outer layer of skin reproduce faster than normal and pile up on the skin''s surface.

Psoriasis affects 2 to 3% of the United States population, or almost 5.8 to 7 million people. It occurs in all age groups and equally in men and women. People with psoriasis may suffer discomfort, restricted motion of joints, and emotional distress.

When psoriasis develops, patches of skin thicken, redden, and become covered with silvery scales. These patches are sometimes referred to as plaque. These patches may itch or burn and the skin at joints may crack. Psoriasis most often occurs on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet. The disease also may affect the fingernails, toenails, and the soft tissues inside the mouth and genitalia. About 10% of people with psoriasis have joint inflammation that produces symptoms of arthritis (called psoriatic arthritis). Psoriasis is not a contagious disease. It is not possible to "catch" psoriasis by touching a person afflicted with it.

What causes psoriasis?

Research indicates that psoriasis may be a disorder of the immune system where inflammation is triggered because of the production of too many immune system "T-cells". The resulting inflammation and excessive skin cell reproduction leads to irritation and flaking of skin. People with psoriasis may notice that there are times when their skin worsens, then improves. Conditions that may cause flare-ups include changes in climate, infections, stress, and dry skin. Also, certain medications may trigger an outbreak or worsen the disease.