Even dermatologists do not completely understand why some people develop psoriasis and others do not. It is believed there is a strong genetic component, as people who have family members with psoriasis are more likely to develop the condition themselves. Psoriasis will manifest as uncomfortable plaques on the skin that look shiny and red. These plaques are caused by an abnormally fast turnover of new skin cell growth, which results in build-up on the surface of the skin every 3-4 days instead of the normal cycle of approximately 28-30 days.