Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes a reddish inflammation, and a characteristic flaking of the skin in the area of the inflammation. The flaking usually resembles silver or grey scales.

Although references of this disease exist in various texts throughout history, the term Psoriasis was only coined in 1841 by an Austrian dermatologist named Ferdinand von Hebra, who was able to differentiate it from various other skin conditions.

Classified as an Autoimmune disease, it occurs when the body’s immune system accelerates it normal functions, and speeds up the automatic process of skin regeneration. Whereas the life cycle a normal skin cell would range from three to four weeks, psoriasis could reduce this period to a matter of days. The compressed duration causes an accumulation of cells at the surface and hence the silvery flaking.

Since the disease is autoimmune in nature, it is not contagious. In most cases the condition is not very serious and the person afflicted is able to lead a completely normal life. However when the condition does get substantially widespread, it does tend to become a source of constant embarrassment and can be socially crippling.

Although the disease may often times be triggered by stress, emotional, physical or mental, it’s been found that at least 30 % of the population afflicted with the problem has had a family history of psoriasis. This has lead researchers to believe that there may be a genetic connection to the condition. To date, a clear understanding of what causes the disease has eluded the scientific community.

A change in physical environment may also trigger a breakout, especially when conditions become extremely dry. Allergies, medications and other autoimmune diseases like HIV/AIDS may substantially increase the frequency, duration and strength of each outbreak.

The most common form of the disease is Plaque Psoriasis, constituting roughly 80% of the cases.  However, in some cases it may develop into a form of arthritis known as psoriatic arthritis.

Related Articles
	Natural Treatment for Psoriasis Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin condition that shows itself through patches of red areas or silvery scales that appear on the legs, knees, arms, elbows, scalp, ears, and back. Toes and fingernails can also be affected by losing their shine and developing ridges and pits. This condition   ...Read more		Treating Scalp Psoriasis Scalp psoriasis is a non-contagious skin disease that is very common. In fact, more than More than 4.5 million people in the United States alone, have it. Scalp psoriasis appears when skin cells grow rapidly, leaving behind red lesions covered with a white scaly buildup. It can be very mild   ...Read more