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Psoriasis is a skin disease that affects more than 4 million persons in the United States. Besides causing skin problems, psoriasis can lead to problems with joints, fingernails and toenails, genitals, and inside of the mouth. The most common form of psoriasis leaves patches of scaly, red skin, usually on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, or face, but any place on the body may be affected. These scaly patches are called plaques. The amount of affected skin varies considerably among different individuals. Some persons develop pain, stiffness, and swelling in their joints (for example, the knees, wrists, or elbows) associated with psoriasis called psoriatic arthritis.Scientists have found that psoriasis is a genetic or inherited disease that affects the body's immune (disease-fighting) system. Infections, stress, and some medications may worsen the psoriasis disease process. Psoriasis is not contagious. The December 17, 2003, issue of JAMA includes an article . . . [Full Text of this Article]

DETERMINING IF YOU HAVE PSORIASIS

Janet M. Torpy, MD, Writer; Cassio Lynm, MA, Illustrator; Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor

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