Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune disease of the skin and joints, characterized by raised, red patches (plaques) covered with silvery-white scale.  Normally skin replaces itself every 27-30 days, however, in psoriasis the skin turns over every 5-6 days.  It should be noted that while the cells are dividing more rapidly, similar to cells in cancer, they do not become malignant.  Psoriasis occurs most often on the extensor areas of the body such as elbows, knees and back of the scalp.  The average age of onset is 27 but it may first appear in infancy or in old age.  It affects approximately two percent of the population.   Psoriasis is not contagious.

Psoriasis can affect almost any area of the body.  Most often, it is more of a nuisance disease.   However, it can certainly affect one’s quality of life, especially if it is extensive, in visible areas, or accompanied by psoriatic arthritis.

Due to its chronic nature, psoriasis can be challenging to treat.  The most common treatments include topical preparations such as corticosteroids, calcium-containing salves, and retinoids; light therapy such as Goeckerman (crude coal tar plus UVB) or PUVA (psoralens plus ultraviolet A);  antimetabolites such as methotrexate;  immunosuppressants such as cyclosporins; oral retinoids; and the immunobiologic agents such as Enbrel, Humira and Amevieve.