I want to learn the basics about psoriasis

What is psoriasis? Psoriasis is a lifelong disease of the immune system that affects the skin. Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that most commonly causes red skin patches, often covered with silver flaky scales, which form in areas where new skin cells grow faster than normal. Inflammation, pain, and itching can occur.

Although there is no cure for psoriasis, it can be effectively managed with proper treatment. Your treatment options for psoriasis include: topical medications (medications applied to the skin) systemic treatments (medications taken by mouth or injected into the body) light therapy (exposing skin to natural and artificial ultraviolet light) Your doctor may also recommend a combination of therapies.

To take control of your psoriasis treatment, you need to form a strong partnership with your doctor. After all you and your health care providers are part of the same team, and you're all working toward a common set of goals - namely clearing up your psoriasis plaques and improving your quality of life.

Impact of psoriasis on quality of life In one study, 3 out of every 4 people with psoriasis felt that their condition had a negative impact on their quality of life. Since psoriasis and its skin lesions are visible to others, it's to be expected that you might feel stress or some degree of social stigma, or even have poor self-esteem.