What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a fairly common chronic inflammatory skin condition, most often characterized by scaly flakes and red, irritated skin. Pronounced "suh-rahy-uh-sis," this disorder has five distinct types: plaque, guttate, pustular, inverse and erythrodermic. Plaque-type psoriasis is the most common form.

If you have psoriasis, you're not alone: Nearly five million Americans have psoriasis, with up to 150,000 cases newly diagnosed every year. Psoriasis isn't contagious, so you don't have to worry about giving it to others or getting it from someone you're close to.

Because it's a chronic condition, psoriasis may be with you for the rest of your life, but it is treatable and it often goes into remission, which means psoriasis symptoms can disappear for long periods of time.

Causes of Psoriasis

We're not exactly sure what causes psoriasis, but we do know it tends to run in families, so there may be a hereditary or genetic component. Psoriasis may be the result of an immune-mediated response; in other words, your immune system may be attacking what it should be protecting. To further complicate things, your body's hormone levels may also trigger psoriasis as it often appears for the first time after puberty, when hormone levels have dropped.

Psoriasis Symptoms

If you have psoriasis, the odds are good that you experienced your first flare-up when you were between the ages of 15 and 35. Roughly 75% of people with this skin disorder develop it before the age of 40.

Specific symptoms vary depending on the type of psoriasis, but may include:

• Rough, red "plaques" of skin
• Silvery or powdery-white, dry scales
• Burning and/or itching skin
• Small red dots or bumps
• Pus-filled lesions
• Skin-fold lesions that appear red, smooth and shiny
• Extremely red skin that may even appear burnt
• Severe itching, pain and general discomfort

If you've got a rash of any kind that's persistent or uncomfortable, you should give your doctor or dermatologist a call. Psoriasis can often be diagnosed after a simple examination, but in some cases a skin biopsy is required.

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