Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that manifests as red, scaly patches and plaques on the skin, has a variable course and can affect the nails and joints.
Psoriasis is not contagious or caused by allergies, but is genetic (2% of people).
The cause of the disease is:
- Skin cells renewing too quickly;
- Immature cells that reach the surface of the skin stick together and form reddened plaques;
- An overactive immune system that causes inflammation.
Common affected areas are under the hair on the scalp, on the elbows and on the knees.