Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by
eruption of itchy, dry and red patches on your scalp, nails, knees, elbows, feet, hands, genitals, or your whole
body. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease; that is, your immune system turns against normal tissues
in your body causing an excessive skin cells production.
Psoriasis is a common autoimmune disorder, affecting approximately 2 to 3% of the world population. Its
cause is unknown, but there is probably a hereditary factor; your risk of developing psoriasis is 5 to 10%
higher if you have a parent affected. In addition, race may play a role in its onset; psoriasis is more common
among white skin individuals.
Unlike many other incurable diseases, psoriasis is not contagious
or life threatening; it may, however, make your life miserable when it develops on the palms of your hands,
your soles (the bottom of your
feet), in the folds of your joints, or on your
genitals. The disagreeable effects of the lesions may impact negatively your emotional, social and personal
life.
Psoriasis Symptoms
|