Frequently Asked Questions about Psoriasis:

What causes Psoriasis?

No one knows exactly what causes psoriasis, but a genetic component is felt to be responsible. Most researchers agree that the immune system is somehow inadvertently triggered to speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. A normal skin cell matures and sheds off the body's surface in 28 to 30 days. But a psoriatic skin cell takes only three to four days to mature and move to the surface. Instead of falling off (shedding), the cells accumulate and form scaly plaques.

Can Psoriasis affect all parts of the body?

Psoriasis most commonly appears on the scalp, knees, elbows and torso. But psoriasis can develop anywhere, including the nails, palms, soles, genital area and the face. Often the lesions appear symmetrically, occurring in the same place on both sides of the body. If you think you may have psoriasis please schedule a consultation with one of the staff of Aesthetic Dermatology as soon as possible.

Is Psoriasis linked to other diseases?

Psoriatic arthritis is a specific type of arthritis that has been diagnosed in approximately 23 percent of people who have psoriasis, according to the Psoriasis Foundation's 2001 Benchmark Survey. Psoriatic arthritis is similar to rheumatoid arthritis, but generally milder. In psoriatic arthritis, the joints and the soft tissue around the joints become inflamed and stiff. Psoriatic arthritis can affect the fingers and toes and may involve the neck, lower back, knees and ankles. In severe cases, psoriatic arthritis can be disabling and disfiguring causing irreversible damage to joints. For this reason, if you have any questions or concerns, please consult Aesthetic Dermatology for diagnosis and treatment options, as soon as possible.