Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder where rapid skin cell reproduction results in raised, red and scaly patches of skin. It is not contagious. It most commonly affects the skin on the elbows, knees, and scalp, though it can appear anywhere on the body.
Who Can Get?
Anyone can have psoriasis. About 7.5 million people in the U.S. are affected, and it occurs equally in men and women. It can occur at any age but is most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 to 25. It is more frequent in Caucasians. This is a non-curable, chronic skin condition and there will be periods where the condition will improve, and other times it will worsen.
What Causes Psoriasis?
The cause of this is unknown but a number of risk factors are suspected. There seems to be a genetic predisposition to inheriting the illness, as is often found in family members. Environmental factors may play a part in conjunction with the immune system. The triggers for – what causes certain people to develop it – remain unknown.
What Does Psoriasis Look Like?
It usually appears as red or pink plaques of raised, thick, scaly skin. However it can also appear as small flat bumps, or large thick plaques, ,. It most commonly affects the skin on the elbows, knees, and scalp, though it can appear anywhere on the body. The following slides will review some of the different types of psoriasis.Read More..
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