Get the "Fast Facts" About Psoriasis

Format: Fact Sheet
Institute: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

Psoriasis is a skin disease characterized by scaling and swelling. It begins in the immune system, mainly with a type of white blood cell called a T cell.

Human skin cells grow deep in the skin and slowly rise to the surface. With psoriasis, the cells rise too fast and pile up on the surface, which is what causes the scaling and swelling. Anyone can get psoriasis, but it occurs more often in adults.

What Is Psoriasis? is one of a series of easy-to-read fact sheets launched by NIAMS. Known as the “Fast Facts” series, these sheets use everyday language to describe a wide variety of problems affecting bone, muscle, joints, and skin. They include basic information about each condition and facts on how to minimize symptoms, what treatment options are available, and details about current NIAMS research on each subject.

Next Steps
You can view the fact sheet on psoriasis by visiting www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/psoriasis/ffpsoriasis.htm.