
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease that causes scaling, skin redness and irritation. Psoriasis causes red, scaly patches that are generally found on the elbows, fingernails, scalp, palms, knees, face, feet and inside the mouth. Factors that can trigger psoriasis include infections, heavy alcohol consumption, cold weather, certain medications, smoking, stress and injury to the skin such as bug bite, cut and sever sunburn. The signs and symptoms of psoriasis vary from person to person which includes dry, cracked skin that may bleed, red patches of skin covered with silvery scales, small scaling spots, itching, burning, swollen and stiff joints. Psoriasis may be classified into various types such as plaque psoriasis, scalp psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, guttate psoriasis, nail psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis and inverse psoriasis. Various treatments for psoriasis are oral medication, topical medication and biologics injections. Psoriasis can also be treating by phototherapy treatment which includes ultraviolet light therapy, laser treatment, tanning beds, psoralen +UVA and sunlight treatment. Psoriasis can occur in any part of the body and it is associated with other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and depression.