Psoriasis is not contagious. It cannot be caught from touching someone who
has the condition, swimming in the same pool, sharing towels, or eating food
prepared by a person with psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a common skin disorder, affecting about 7.5 million people in the United States. It causes skin cells to multiply rapidly and to accumulate on the surface of the skin. These extra skin cells create thick, scaly patches called plaques. Plaques most often develop on the:
elbows
knees
scalp
lower back
palms of the hands
soles of the feet
The affected areas of skin typically appear reddened and contain dry, itchy scales. They may also be more sensitive and cause a burning or painful sensation on the skin.
These genetic variants are believed to cause changes in the way the body’s T cells behave. T cells are immune system cells that normally fight off harmful invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. In people with psoriasis, however, T cells also attack healthy skin cells by mistake. This immune system response results in a range of reactions, including:
enlargement of blood vessels in the skin
increase in white blood cells that stimulate the skin to produce new cells more quickly than usual
increase in skin cells, T cells, and additional immune system cells
accumulation of new skin cells on the surface of the skin
development of the thick, scaly patches associated with psoriasis
What Are the Symptoms of Psoriasis
Patches of red, inflamed skin. These are often covered with loose, silvery scales. They may be itchy and painful, even crack and bleed. In serious cases, they grow and run into each other, making large areas of irritated skin.
Fingernail and toenail problems. Your nails may change color or become pitted. They may also begin to crumble or detach from the nail bed.
Scalp problems. Patches of scales or crust may form on your head.
Psoriasis is a common skin disorder, affecting about 7.5 million people in the United States. It causes skin cells to multiply rapidly and to accumulate on the surface of the skin. These extra skin cells create thick, scaly patches called plaques. Plaques most often develop on the:
elbows
knees
scalp
lower back
palms of the hands
soles of the feet
The affected areas of skin typically appear reddened and contain dry, itchy scales. They may also be more sensitive and cause a burning or painful sensation on the skin.
These genetic variants are believed to cause changes in the way the body’s T cells behave. T cells are immune system cells that normally fight off harmful invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. In people with psoriasis, however, T cells also attack healthy skin cells by mistake. This immune system response results in a range of reactions, including:
enlargement of blood vessels in the skin
increase in white blood cells that stimulate the skin to produce new cells more quickly than usual
increase in skin cells, T cells, and additional immune system cells
accumulation of new skin cells on the surface of the skin
development of the thick, scaly patches associated with psoriasis
What Are the Symptoms of Psoriasis
Patches of red, inflamed skin. These are often covered with loose, silvery scales. They may be itchy and painful, even crack and bleed. In serious cases, they grow and run into each other, making large areas of irritated skin.
Fingernail and toenail problems. Your nails may change color or become pitted. They may also begin to crumble or detach from the nail bed.
Scalp problems. Patches of scales or crust may form on your head.
