It appears as silvery skin patches, often on knees and elbows, but can be found on any part of the body. The patches, or plaques, are composed of dead skin cells which accumulate in layers.
Psoriasis can strike men, women , children at any age, at any time.
The risk of psoriasis is greater for those with a family history of the disease. Psoriasis is not contagious or infectious. Psoratric arthritis has been known to cause severe damage, especially to joints of the extremities. There is no known definite cause. Skin injury, emotional stress and some forms of infections are said to trigger its development.