Contributed by Kathleen Philippi, R.N.,BSN Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent disease. Its lesions, which appear as papules and plaques covered with silvery scales, vary widely in severity and distribution. Although this disorder is most common among adults, it may strike at any age, including infancy.
Psoriasis is characterized by recurring remissions and exacerbations.
Flare-ups are often related to specific systemic and environmental factors but may be unpredictable. The tendency to develop psoriasis is genetically determined. Onset of disease is also influenced by environmental factors. Trauma can trigger lesions developing at the site of injury. Generally, a skin cell takes 14 days to move from the basal layer to the stratum corneum, where after 14 days of normal wear and tear, it is sloughed off.