Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious autoimmune disease that affects the skin and joints. It commonly causes red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. Psoriasis can first strike at any age. Psoriasis can cause arthritic symptoms known as psoriatic arthritis.

The disorder is a chronic recurring condition that varies in severity from minor localized patches to complete body coverage.

The cause of psoriasis is not known though Psoriasis has a strong genetic component; a child with two affected parents has a 50 percent chance of developing it. Scientists recently unmask genetic markers associated with psoriasis.

Factors that may aggravate psoriasis include overuse of alcohol, tobacco and weight gain. Studies also shown that stress and psoriasis go together, stress can be a factor in “flares” of psoriasis. Most Psoriasis patients evencan associate a specific incident in their lives which generated stress. Though stress is a negative factor, psoriasis can cause stress in fact psoriasis adds stress to many people’s lives

Psoriasis is probably one of the longest known illnesses of humans and simultaneously one of the most misunderstood.It was the 20th century that psoriasis was further differentiated into specific types, instead of described as a variety of leprosy.

Psoriasis is usually based on the appearance of the skin diagnosed by a dermatologist. Sometimes a skin biopsy or skin scraping may be needed to rule out other disorders and to confirm the diagnosis.
Severity

Recent research reveals the devastating impact on quality of life, approximately 125 million people worldwide living with psoriasis may be faced with physical or emotional challenges as they struggle with public misperceptions and stigmas of this painful, chronic immune disorder that affects the skin.  People living with psoriasis can experience physical difficulties due to pain caused by plaques and itchy skin, as well as emotional challenges and greater social issues.

People living with psoriasis can go through cycles of strong emotions. So be aware and support friends, family and colleagues suffering from psoriasis.

Facts about psoriasis

• Psoriasis is not contagious
• Psoriasis is incurable
• Psoriasis can be treated
• Psoriasis affects approximately 125 million people worldwide
• Psoriasis can flare-up by environmental triggers
• Psoriasis often causes emotional and social struggles