PSORIASIS: What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a persistent and chronic skin disease.  The cause of psoriasis is unknown.  Areas of the ski grow much faster than normal, and affected areas become inflamed, producing red thickened areas with silvery scales.  These occur most often on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back.  Psoriasis can also affect the nails causing them to thicken and become loose. 

Psoriasis cannot be passed from one person to another, but it is more likely to occur in people whose family members have it.  It often becomes more pronounced in the wintertime as a result of dry skin and lack of sunlight.

Dermatologists diagnosis psoriasis by examining the skin, nails and scalp.  Treatment is based on a patient's age, health, lifestyle and severity of condition.  Different types of treatment and several visits to the dermatologist may be needed.  The doctor may prescribe medications to apply directly on the skin.  They may use these mediations in combination with natural sunlight or ultraviolet light.  Sunlight exposure helps the majority of people with psoriasis but it must be used cautiously. 

You should make an appointment with your dermatologist to discuss treatment options for psoriasis.

For more information on psoriasis you can contact the National Psoriasis Foundation (800) 723-9166 or click on their website:

http://www.psoriasis.org

You can also click on the link below for the American Academy of Dermatology pamphlet on psoriasis.

http://www.aad.org/pamphlets

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