Psoriasis

Unpredictable and irritating, psoriasis is one of the most baffling and persistent of skin disorders. It's characterized by skin cells that multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. As underlying cells reach the skin's surface and die, their sheer volume causes raised, red plaques covered with white or silver scale. Psoriasis typically occurs on the knees, elbows, and scalp and can also affect the torso, palms, and soles of the feet.

While there are medications and other therapies that can help to clear up the patches of red, scaly, thickened skin that are the hallmark of psoriasis, there is no cure. Some newer, promising therapies decrease the heightened immune system in patients with psoriasis to lessen the risk for cardiovascular disease (strokes, heart attacks), psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and depression.Read more about psoriasis.

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