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Understanding Psoriasis

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that causes scaling and inflammation. It strikes men and women equally and often occurs in young adults. Learn more about this common skin disorder ›

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Slideshow: A Look at Psoriasis

About 3 percent of Americans have a long-lasting skin disease called psoriasis. It’s characterized by patches of inflamed, scaly skin, which usually feel itchy or painful. The look of these patches varies, depending on the type of psoriasis you have. The patches can occur on the arms, legs, trunk, scalp, palms, soles of the feet, genitals, and even inside of the mouth. The nails and joints are sometimes affected as well.

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Could You Have Psoriasis?

Find out if psoriasis is causing your skin problems.

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Spotting Psoriasis Symptoms and Triggers

Psoriasis is a skin condition that can affect everyone differently. Some people’s psoriasis is so mild they don’t even know they have it. Others have a more severe case that affects large areas of their body.

Still, there’s no doubt that psoriasis can greatly impact your everyday life. Understanding more about psoriasis and its triggers can be one of the best ways to improve your quality of life.

Spotlight on Psoriasis

Glossary of Psoriasis Terms

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Ankylosing Spondylitis, Antibiotic, Biologic, Chronic, Coal Tar, Corticosteroid, Cytokine, Flare-up, Lesion, Lubricate, Ointment, Phototherapy, Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Retinoid, Steroid, Systemic, T Cell, Topical

Reference: Skin, Hair and Nails section on Better Medicine