Psoriasis is a chronic, inherited skin condition thought to be caused by an overproduction of skin cells. Typical symptoms are patches of red, scaly skin but certain types of the disease can cause other problems. There are multiple types of psoriasis.

• Plaque  – This is the most common type and affects the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, and genitals.
• Guttate  – This type can cause red spots all over the skin.
• Inverse- Patches of red, raw-looking skin develop where skin touches skin.
• Pustular – The skin becomes red and swollen with pus-filled bumps.
• Erythrodermic – The skin looks burned and the body cannon maintain its normal temperature.

All forms of the condition can be uncomfortable but the pustular and erythrodermic types can be life-threatening. Treatment is imperative to control these conditions.

About 80% of cases are plaque psoriasis. This type occurs because the body produces more cells than it can shed, resulting in thick patches of scaly, itchy skin. The patches may itch but scratching them can cause them to become thicker. Patches may remain separate or join together. Nail problems may also occur.

Some people may develop psoriatic arthritis, painful inflammation of the joints.

The onset of the disease typically occurs in a person’s twenties or in their fifties. It is not contagious. The genes for this condition are inherited from family members, but not everyone with the genes will develop psoriasis.

Psoriasis is treated with topical creams, with phototherapy, and systematically. There is no cure. The choice of treatment depends on the type, where on the body it is located, the severity, the person’s age and health, and how the person is coping with the symptoms. This condition can affect a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, a dermatologist can diagnose and treat psoriasis to bring symptoms under control.