Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes skin redness and irritation. Most people with psoriasis have thick, red skin with flaky, silver-white patches called scales.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Psoriasis is a very common condition. The disorder may affect people of any age, but it most commonly begins between ages 15 and 35.The condition cannot be spread to others.
Psoriasis seems to be passed down through families. Doctors think it probably occurs when the body’s immune system mistakes healthy cells for dangerous substances. Skin cells grow deep in the skin and normally rise to the surface about once a month. In persons with psoriasis, this process is too fast (about 2 weeks instead of 4 weeks) and dead skin cells build up on the skin’s surface.
The following may trigger an attack of psoriasis or make the condition more difficult to treat:
- Bacteria or viral infections, including strep throat and upper respiratory infections
- Dry air or dry skin
- Injury to the skin, including cuts, burns, and insect bites
- Some medicines, including antimalaria drugs, beta-blockers, and lithium
- Stress
- Too little sunlight
- Too much sunlight (sunburn)
- Too much alcohol
In general, psoriasis may be severe in people who have a weakened immune system.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to control your symptoms and prevent infections.
In general, three treatment options are used for patients with psoriasis:
- Topical medications such as lotions, ointments, creams, and shampoos
- Body-wide (systemic) medications, which are pills or injections that affect the whole body, not just the skin
- Phototherapy, which uses light to treat psoriasis