Psoriasis

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Definition
Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease. Knees, elbows, scalp, trunk, and nails are the most commonly affected areas. There are several types of psoriasis.

• Plaque: inflamed patches of skin topped with silvery, white scales (most common type)
• Guttate: small dot-like lesions
• Pustular: weeping lesions and intense scaling
• Inverse: in body folds (armpits, groin, under breasts)
• Erythrodermic: intense sloughing and inflammation of the skin

© 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc. Causes The cause of psoriasis is unclear. Signals from a defect in the immune system may result in an overgrowth of skin cells. Because the cells grow faster than they can be shed, they “pile up” on the skin’s surface. The excess skin cells are thought to cause the silvery white scales that are characteristic of plaque-type psoriasis. Treatment Treatment is based on: The severity of the disease The extent and location of the areas involved Responsiveness to the treatment Prevention Psoriasis cannot be prevented. Avoiding physical trauma to the skin, infections, and cold, dry temperatures may help reduce flare-ups in people with the condition. Your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods if they appear to make your psoriasis worse.