Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes the body to produce skin cells at an abnormally fast rate. Because the body can't shed these cells as quickly as they are produced, thick layers of skin, called plaques, develop. Psoriasis is characterized by red plaques with thick, flaking, silvery scales. A distinguishing feature of psoriasis is the symmetrical appearance of the plaques, like mirror images on opposite sides of the body. The extent of skin involvement can range from small, localized areas to generalized body involvement.
Psoriatic lesions have a tendency to appear at sites of trauma.
Patients typically encounter their first attack about 10-14 days after experiencing some type of trauma to the skin, such as a cut, scratch, bruise, or severe sunburn. Emotional or physical stress can play a role in triggering the onset or flare-up of the condition.