Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes
itchy or sore patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales.
You usually get them on your elbows, knees, scalp, back, face,
palms and feet, but they can show up on other parts of your
body. A problem with your immune system causes psoriasis. In a
process called cell turnover, skin cells that grow deep in your
skin rise to the surface. Normally, this takes a month. In
psoriasis, it happens in just days because your cells rise too
fast.
Psoriasis can last a long time, even a lifetime. Symptoms
come and go. Things that make them worse include
- Infections
- Stress
- Dry skin
- Certain medicines
Psoriasis usually occurs in adults. It sometimes runs in
families. Treatments include creams, medications and light
therapy.
National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
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