Psoriasis

What is it?

Points To Remember About Psoriasis

• Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes red, scaly skin.
• It is caused by genes, meaning it runs in families, but some outside factors can make it worse or trigger flares.
• Psoriasis can be hard to diagnose because it can look like other skin diseases.
• Your doctor may recommend creams, ultraviolet light therapy, prescription medications, shots, or some combination of these treatments.
• You may have to try a couple of different treatments before finding one that helps you.
• Joining a support group helps some people with psoriasis cope with the disease.

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red, scaly skin that may feel painful, swollen or hot.

If you have psoriasis, you are more likely to get some other conditions, including:

• Psoriatic arthritis, a condition that causes joint pain and swelling.
• Cardiovascular problems, which affect the heart and blood circulation system.
• Obesity.
• High blood pressure.
• Diabetes.

Some treatments for psoriasis can have serious side effects, so be sure to talk about them with your doctor and keep all your appointments.