What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a non‑contagious chronic disease that mainly affects the skin, nails, and joints. It is characterised by the appearance of reddish scaly plaques that are sometimes accompanied by pain and itching. It develops as outbreaks that alternate with periods of improvement if proper treatment is followed. Its evolution is unpredictable, but once it has manifested, it usually persists over time.
Psoriasis explained in first person
Although we do not cure psoriasis, the treatments we use remain their effectiveness over time.
The scariest thing when you are diagnosed is the fact that you feel like a monster.
Classification of Psoriasis
Cutaneous psoriasis can present in different manners, and varies from person to person.
Plaque psoriasis. This is the most common manifestation.
Guttate psoriasis. In children this often presents with smaller plaques.
Inverse psoriasis. It affects skin folds.
Nails and joints.
How many people are affected by Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a universal disease with a greater or lesser prevalence depending on the geographical area. Various studies have shown that its prevalence is around 2% of the global population.
It affects both men and women, and, although it can occur at any age between childhood and adulthood, there are two age ranges where it is most frequent: between the ages of 20 and 30, and between 60 and 70.
There are genetic factors associated with its appearance, for which reason there is typically a familial tendency to develop the disease. When other family members are affected, psoriasis usually presents at an earlier age and is more intense. It is estimated that when a father or mother has psoriasis, the chance of a child having the disease is 25%.
Substantiated information by:
Published: 22 February 2019
Updated: 22 February 2019
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