Psoriasis Introduction
Psoriasis is estimated to affect 80 to 120 million people worldwide. It is a chronic skin condition, meaning that the disease cannot be cured but often can be controlled. Psoriasis is characterized by patches of thick, red, inflamed skin and dry, silvery flakes of skin known as scales. Symptoms range in severity from barely noticeable to outbreaks of lesions that cover most of the body, and psoriasis even causes a form of arthritis in some people. The condition is not contagious, so it cannot spread from person to person. A better understanding of psoriasis causes, symptoms, and treatment will help both afflicted and non-afflicted people cope with the physical and emotional challenges of living with the condition.