Treatment

Psoriasis

What Causes Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a common skin disorder, affecting about 1 in 40 persons. The cause of psoriasis is not known. Because many persons with psoriasis have blood relatives with this disorder, heredity probably plays a role.

In psoriasis, areas of the skin grow much faster than normal and form red, scaling patches. The scalp, elbows, and knees are the most common sites, but almost any part of the skin may become involved. Fortunately, psoriasis is only a skin condition, and does not affect your general health. (In rare cases there may be arthritis.) Psoriasis is a problem because it itches and is unsightly. Psoriasis is not contagious.

Psoriasis usually begins in young adulthood, although it can start in childhood or first appear in old age. In most cases psoriasis is mild and limited to a few areas of the body. In a small percentage of cases, large areas of the body may become involved. Psoriasis is unpredictable: Patches may clear up by themselves and even disappear for months or years.



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