Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition consisting of gray or silvery flaky patches which are red and inflamed underneath when scratched. Commonly affected areas include the scalp, elbows, knees, navel, and groin. Psoriasis is thought to be autoimmune in origin, and is not contagious. Around a quarter of people with psoriasis also suffer from psoriatic arthritis, which is similar to rheumatoid arthritis in its effects.

Psoriatic skin cells reproduce at several times the normal rate and tend to pile up on the surface, forming itchy patches or "plaques." Psoriasis tends to be triggered by emotional stress or physical skin injury, but the biggest factor appears to be heredity.

Psoriasis has no cure, but somewhat effective treatments include sunlight, artificial UV light, steroids, coal tar, salicylic acid, and synthetic Vitamin D analogues. Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, such as methotrexate, have been observed to provide relief from psoriasis.

External links:

• http://www.psoriasis.org National Psoriasis Foundation
• http://www.wpunj.edu/icip/pa/ Psoriatic Arthritis List