About psoriasis

Psoriasis is a lifelong medical condition which affects 2–3% of the population and can affect any part of the skin, and other parts of the body such as nails and joints. Psoriasis typically causes patches of skin to become dry, red and covered in silver scales, with some patients finding these lesions to be itchy or sore. Many patients also experience psoriasis in cycles.

It's believed that psoriasis is caused by a malfunctioning immune system: it is not something that you can catch from another person. Psoriasis may also have genetic causes, running in families.

There are several different types of psoriasis and a sufferer’s severity may differ over time. Having psoriasis can cause mental distress in addition to the physical symptoms, due to issues around self-esteem and the social stigma of the appearance of lesions.

References:

Feldman SR, et al. Am Health Drug Benefits. 2016;9:504–513.

National Clinical Guideline Centre. Psoriasis., 2012 Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg153/evidence/full-guideline-pdf-188351533 [Accessed Oct 2019].