When your skin cells grow too fast and pile up, you get psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes red, scaly patches. Also known as plaque psoriasis, it’s not contagious, but it can be painful, itchy, and emotionally draining. This isn’t just dry skin—it’s your immune system attacking your own body, tricking it into making new skin cells in days instead of weeks.
What triggers it? Stress, infections like strep throat, cold weather, certain meds like beta-blockers, and even skin injuries. Some people notice flare-ups after drinking alcohol or smoking. And while genetics play a role—if a parent has it, your risk goes up—it’s not just inherited. Environmental factors matter just as much. People with psoriasis are also more likely to deal with other conditions like arthritis, heart disease, or depression. It’s not just a skin issue; it’s a whole-body thing.
There’s no cure, but treatments can make a huge difference. Topical creams with corticosteroids or vitamin D analogs help mild cases. Light therapy, using controlled UV exposure, works for moderate to severe. And for the toughest cases, biologics—injectable drugs that target specific parts of the immune system—can clear up skin for months. The key is finding what works for you, because what helps one person might do nothing for another.
What you’ll find below are real, practical guides on managing psoriasis, from the medicines that actually work to how lifestyle choices affect flare-ups. You’ll see how some treatments overlap with other conditions like autoimmune disorders and drug interactions. No fluff. Just what you need to take control.
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects both skin and joints, often developing in people with psoriasis. Learn how it's diagnosed, treated, and why early intervention prevents permanent damage.