Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin
condition. Between 10% and 30% of people who
develop Psoriasis get related form of arthritis called “psoriatic arthritis,” which causes inflammation of the joints.
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. About 80% of people who develop psoriasis have plaque psoriasis, which appears as patches of raised, reddish skin covered by silvery-white scale. These patches or plaques, frequently form on the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp. However, these plaques can occur anywhere in the body. The other type are guttate psoriasis (small, re spots on the skin) pustular psoriasis (white pustules surrounded by red skin, inverse psoriasis( smooth, red
lesions form in skin folds), and erythrodemic psoriasis( widespread redness,
severe itching and pain)
Psoriasis usually causes discomfort. The skin often itches, and it may crack and bleed. In severe cases, the itching and discomfort may keep a person awake at night, and the pain can make everyday tasks difficult. Psoriasis is a chronic, meaning lifelong, condition because there is currently no cure. People often experience flares and remissions throughout their life. Controlling the signs and symptoms typically requires lifelong therapy. Treatment depends on the severity and type of psoriasis. Some psoriasis is so mild that the person is unaware of the condition, a few develop such severe psoriasis that lesions cover most of the body and hospitalization is required. These represent the extremes. Most cases of are fall somewhere in between.