Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition involving inflammation, which is characterised by development of well defined, red and scaly plaques or lesions. In this condition, the skin cells tends to grow very quickly. Psoriasis is a non contagious skin condition. It may require a long term treatment to maintain and keep it under control. Psoriasis is classified into a number of types:

Plaque, Inverse, Guttate, Sebo-Psoriasis and Pustular

Causes:

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. This means it’s a disease in which the body’s immune system start attacking the healthy cells in the body. Here the immune cells become active and trigger the overproduction of skin cells leaving the skin all inflamed, red and scaly.

In some cases it also shows that the disease runs in family having a strong genetic connection.

Some external factors that may worsen the condition are: Smoking, excessive alcohol intake, stress-be it mental or emotional, infections, certain medications, dry skin and obesity.

Clinical Features:

• Patches of thick, white or red scales with well- defined margins.
• May itch or burn. Intense itching can cause infection.
• On infection there will be pain and swelling at the site.
• Cracked or dry skin which can bleed.
• These white coloured plaque or lesions are flaky and sheds easily.
• Usually seen on the elbows, knees, feet, scalp but any part can be involved.
• In chronic cases, thick leathery skin can be seen.

Treatment:

• Avoid excessive alcohol, smoking and excess weight gain.
• Maintain a healthy diet.
• Use intense moisturizers for dry skin.
• Apply coal tar preparations especially for scales and itching.
• Apply topical corticosteroid creams and salicylic acid on the affected parts.
• Oral immunosuppressive and antirheumatic treatment is given.
• Phototherapy with ultraviolent radiation is advised in some cases.