Psoriasis

The Psoriasis topic includes research on the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of psoriasis, a skin disease causing itchy or sore patches. It includes research on psoriatic arthritis and psoriasiform diseases.

Psoriasis is a chronic disease in which the immune system becomes overactive, causing skin cells to multiply too quickly. Patches of skin become scaly and inflamed, most often on the scalp, elbows, or knees, but other parts of the body can be affected as well.

The causes of psoriasis are unclear, but they likely involve a mix of genetics and environmental factors. Having psoriasis carries the risk of getting other serious conditions, including psoriatic arthritis; cardiovascular events, such heart attacks and strokes; mental health problems, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression; and other chronic diseases.