What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a common skin condition in which scaly pink patches form on the arms, knees, back, genital region and scalp. Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) skin disease characterized by scaling and inflammation. Scaling occurs when cells in the outer layer of skin reproduce faster than normal and pile up on the skin's surface. Possibly a disorder of the immune system. In some cases Psoriais occurs as a skin disease in which red flaky lesions occur and may cause nail abnormalities. Nail changes are common and include pitting and a yellowish discoloration that resembles a fungal infection. Psoriasis may also cause hair loss. There are several variations of psoriasis but the most common type is known as the "chronic plaque psoriasis". About 3 in 100 people are said to suffer from Psoriasis. There are about 100 - 150 million people who suffer from Psorisis.