Psoriasis (pronounced: sore-EYE-ah-sis) can appear anywhere on the skin. Equally occurring in men and women, psoriasis is most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 to 25. Anyone can have psoriasis, however psoriasis affects Caucasians more than any other ethnicity.
Did you know? Approximately 7.5 million people in the U.S. are currently diagnosed with psoriasis.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis occurs when your immune system sends multiple signals to produce new skin cells. These unnecessary skin cells create buildup (also called plaque) creating red patches and silvery scales. Most individuals in the the psoriasis population have this condition on their scalp. Psoriasis can also appear in other locations of the body such as: forehead, behind the ears, hands, elbows, creases of the knees and the back of the neck.
Did you know? Psoriasis is not contagious but is believed to be inherited. The affected genes appear to be linked to an overactive immune system.
Common Symptoms
- Reddish patches on the skin.
- Dandruff-like flaking and silvery-white scales.
- Dry scalp.
- Extreme itching.
- Bleeding from scratching the skin.
- Burning sensation or soreness.
- Temporary hair loss from scratching and removing psoriasis scales.
Did you know? Alopecia (severe hair loss) can occur during a flare up. In most cases, once the psoriasis flare up subsides and the scalp heals, normal hair growth resumes.
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