Psoriasis
Monday, February 18, 2008

Many people are affected by a skin condition called psoriasis (Sore-i-a–sis).  Dr Ken Davis discusses the cause and symptoms of this common problem in today’s 60 Second Housecall.

Psoriasis is a life-long skin disease of scaling and inflammation that affects 2 to 3 percent of the United States population, or 6 to 8 million people. Although the disease occurs in all age groups, it primarily affects adults. Psoriasis affects males and females equally.

Psoriasis occurs when new skin cells rise from below the surface of the skin and pile up on the surface before they have a chance to mature. This normal replacement of skin cells usually takes about a month.  In people with psoriasis it may occur in only a few days.

Psoriasis results in patches of thick, red skin covered with silvery scales. They most often occur on the elbows, knees, legs, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet.  They can occur anywhere on the body.

Ten to fifteen percent of people with psoriasis experience joint inflammation called psoriatic arthritis.  Tomorrow we will discuss some triggers of psoriasis.

For North Mississippi Medical Center, I’m Dr. Ken Davis.