Experts from the American Academy of Dermatology and National Psoriasis Foundation
answer questions on everything from diagnosing psoriasis to treatment options.
Q: What exactly is psoriasis?
A: Psoriasis is a chronic immune disorder affecting nearly 7 million Americans.
It speeds the growth cycle of skin cells and results in thick, scaly areas of skin.
The most common form of psoriasis, called plaque psoriasis, appears as red, raised
areas of skin covered with flaky white scales that can be painful, itchy and may
crack and bleed. Currently, there is no cure for psoriasis.
Q: What causes psoriasis?
A: No one knows exactly what causes psoriasis, but it is believed
to have a genetic component. Most researchers agree that the immune system is somehow
triggered, which speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells.
Triggers that can make psoriasis flare can include emotional stress, injury to the
skin, infection and reactions to certain drugs. Stress can cause psoriasis to appear
for the first time or aggravate existing psoriasis. Other triggers may include weather,
diet and allergies. Triggers will vary from person to person and what may cause
one person's psoriasis to flare may produce no reaction in another individual.
Q: Is psoriasis contagious?
A: No, psoriasis is not contagious—this is a common
misperception. It is not something you can "catch" or "pass on." The psoriatic
lesions may not look pleasant, but they are not infectious.
