Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It causes skin cells to multiply at an accelerated rate, leading to thick, red patches covered with silvery scales. These patches, often called plaques, can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
The exact cause of psoriasis is still unknown, but it is widely believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The immune system plays a major role by mistakenly attacking healthy skin cells, which triggers inflammation and rapid skin cell production. Psoriasis is not contagious, but it often runs in families, suggesting a hereditary link.
There are several types of psoriasis, including plaque psoriasis (the most common form), guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, and erythrodermic psoriasis. Symptoms vary depending on the type but usually include red, inflamed skin, scaling, itching, and discomfort. In some cases, people with psoriasis may also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain and stiffness.
Psoriasis can be triggered or worsened by factors such as stress, infections, skin injuries, certain medications, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Flare-ups may come and go, with periods of remission in between.
Although there is currently no cure for psoriasis, various treatments can help manage the symptoms. Topical treatments like corticosteroid creams, vitamin D analogs, and coal tar are often used for mild to moderate cases. For more severe or widespread psoriasis, systemic treatments such as oral medications or biologic injections may be prescribed. These work by targeting specific parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation.
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