There is now no question that psoriasis is an inherited systemic inflammatory disease of immune dysfunction whose most obvious clinical feature is plaque of elevated, inflamed skin. Plaques are scaly, red, bumpy areas of skin that are often itchy. They characteristically are found on the scalp, elbows, and knees. Plaque psoriasis is relatively common; about 2%-3% of population of the United States is affected.

Source: http://www.emedicinehealth.com

There is now no question that psoriasis is an inherited systemic inflammatory disease of immune dysfunction whose most obvious clinical feature is plaque of elevated, inflamed skin. Plaques are scaly, red, bumpy areas of skin that are often itchy. They characteristically are found on the scalp, elbows, and knees. Plaque psoriasis is relatively common; about 2%-3% of population of the United States is affected.

Source: http://www.emedicinehealth.com

Like many other diseases, there is a significant interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Certain mutations pave the way for the development of the disease. It seems likely that more than one mutation in more than one gene is necessary to develop psoriasis. Once the genes are inherited, some sort of environmental factor is necessary to activate it. Such a factor could be a common viral or bacterial infection or even a simple injury.

Source: http://www.emedicinehealth.com

Medical Author: Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Source: http://www.emedicinehealth.com

There is now no question that psoriasis is an inherited systemic inflammatory disease of immune dysfunction whose most obvious clinical feature is plaque of elevated, inflamed skin. Plaques are scaly, red, bumpy areas of skin that are often itchy. They characteristically are found on the scalp, elbows, and knees. Plaque psoriasis is relatively common; about 2%-3% of population of the United States is affected.

Source: http://www.emedicinehealth.com