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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing how psoriasis develops How psoriasis develops

Psoriasis is a common skin disease that affects the life cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin, forming thick silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that are sometimes painful.

Psoriasis is a persistent, long-lasting (chronic) disease. You may have periods when your psoriasis symptoms improve or go into remission alternating with times your psoriasis worsens.

For some people, psoriasis is just a nuisance. For others, it's disabling, especially when associated with arthritis. There's no cure, but psoriasis treatments may offer significant relief. Lifestyle measures, such as using a nonprescription cortisone cream and exposing your skin to small amounts of natural sunlight, can improve your psoriasis symptoms.

Symptoms
References
  1. Feldman SR, et al. Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of psoriasis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 22, 2010.
  2. Questions and answers about psoriasis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/psoriasis/psoriasis.htm. Accessed Nov. 26, 2010.
  3. Burden AD, et al. Diagnosis and management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in adults: Summary of SIGN guidance. BMJ. 2010;341:987.
  4. Feldman SR, et al. Treatment of psoriasis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 30, 2010.
  5. Light therapy. National Psoriasis Foundation. http://www.psoriasis.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=430. Accessed Nov. 30, 2010.
  6. Living well: Healthy eating. National Psoriasis Foundation. www.psoriasis.org/netcommunity/learn_eating. Accessed Nov. 30, 2010.
  7. Aloe. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Nov. 30, 2010.
  8. Fish oil. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Nov. 30, 2010.
DS00193 Feb. 25, 2011

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