Once psoriasis occurs in an individual, it usually persists indefinitely if not treated, although in mild cases it may resolve and then recur spontaneously in cycles. Psoriasis has little effect on general health and is primarily a cosmetic problem except in severe cases, where thickened psoriatic skin may make movement painful. Psoriasis can appear in several different forms. The most common type of psoriasis consists of sharply demarcated red patches with adherent white scales. These occur most frequently on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back, but can occur anywhere on the skin.
Psoriasis often gets worse with physical or emotional stress or with injuries to the skin.
Fingernails and toenails can be affected with small pits in the nails, separation of nails from nailbeds, or abnormal growth of nails. A less common form of psoriasis, however, several other skin diseases may be mistaken for psoriasis. It is best to see your family physician or a dermatologist if you think you might have psoriasis. Although the cause of psoriasis is not known, experiments and microscopic examinations have shown that the cells in the upper layer of the skin called the epidermis are dividing and multiplying too rapidly, causing thickening of the epidermis. Treatments for psoriasis Treatments for psoriasis act primarily by slowing down the rate of epidermal cell division and multiplication.