Psoriasis is defined as an autoimmune, long lasting, non-contagious skin disorder that results in the hyperproliferation of the skin. Hyperproliferation is defined as an abnormally high rate of proliferation of skin cells by rapid division. It is characterised by dry, rough, raised red patches on the skin’s surface covered with fine silvery scales. The patches on the skin are typically itchy, inflamed and scaly. Psoriasis has a scope of variation in severity from tiny, localized patches like; the outside of the elbows, knees or scalp, to outbreaks of the inflamed area that can lead to completely covering the body.
Some people report that their psoriasis outbreaks are itchy, burning and that the affected areas sting. If it’s not effectively addressed it will affect the joints, which can start leading to psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis is associated with several other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression.
While some of the symptoms of and some information about Psoriasis have been studiously documented, scientists do not yet know what exactly cause of psoriasis is, we do know that both the immune system and genetics play major roles in its development. Usually, something triggers the psoriasis condition to flare. This causes the skin cells of people with psoriasis to grow at an abnormally fast rate, which causes the buildup of psoriasis lesions.