Psoriasis

Overview

Psoriasis is the skin disorder. Skin and nails are the main areas affected in psoriasis. Skin lesions which are elevated red plaques that can be localized or generalized and are typically covered with white or silver scales are common in psoriasis. A lesion may hurt and itch. Joint discomfort is also a side effect of psoriatic arthritis, which occurs in certain people. Inflammation may also develop in the kidneys, lungs, heart, eyes, and heart muscle due to psoriasis. Contributing factors for psoriasis are believed to be autoimmune and genetic predisposition. Psoriasis can be triggered by various factors, including as trauma, throat infections, sunburn, specific drugs, stress, etc. Psoriasis treatment focuses on symptom management. The most common treatments are phototherapy, topical and systemic therapies, or a combination of these. The requirement for treatment is typically permanent and is geared at extended periods of remission.