What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a common chronic skin condition that is manifested by red, brittle patches of the skin covered with silvery scales. This condition usually attacks the scalp, knees, and elbows, but can also affect the nails, trunk, and legs. Although rarely, it can also be found in other parts of the skin.

Psoriasis affects more than 130 million people worldwide and can affect people of all ages. About 7.5 million people in the United States alone have plaque psoriasis, that’s about 2% of the total population. Male and female are affected equally, but the number of Caucasians diagnosed with psoriasis is higher than that of the people of color. While this skin condition is not contagious, it is inheritable, and there is no known way to prevent it.

It’s easy for people to think psoriasis as just a common physical skin condition, but it actually starts underneath the skin and can range from mild to severe. Like other chronic conditions, psoriasis can be brought about by other illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases, Type 2 diabetes, and psoriatic arthritis. What’s more, psoriasis can also lead to other chronic conditions such as psoriatic arthritis. It is reported that 15% of people suffering from this condition develop psoriatic arthritis, a condition that is commonly mistaken for gout or rheumatoid arthritis.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for psoriasis yet, but there exist numerous ways to get relief from symptoms of this niggling ailment.

Types of Psoriasis:

Psoriasis skin condition came in various shapes and sizes depending on their causes, areas affected, who they affect in terms of age, and how they occur. There are at least 5 known types of psoriasis including;