Understanding Psoriasis: Causes, Triggers, and What It Means for You

Psoriasis is a long-lasting condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. Instead of following the normal cycle of skin-cell turnover, affected cells grow at a much faster pace — sometimes in just three to seven days, compared to the typical 28 to 30 days. This rapid turnover leads to a buildup of cells on the skin's surface, forming thick, red, scaly patches called plaques.

Psoriasis most commonly appears on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, but it can occur anywhere on the body. It comes in several forms — plaque psoriasis (the most common), guttate, inverse, pustular, and erythrodermic — each with its own characteristics. Despite the noticeable skin changes, psoriasis is not contagious: you cannot catch it from someone else.

The visible symptoms often carry a deep emotional and psychological impact, including self-consciousness, anxiety, and depression. Psoriasis can also be associated with joint problems known as psoriatic arthritis — one reason our rheumatology team evaluates skin and joints together. As our original post puts it: "Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition that goes beyond the skin, affecting both physical and emotional health. Understanding its causes and triggers is key to managing the disease effectively."

Adapted from our original post: read it on our blog.