Psoriasis is a disorder of the immune system that causes skin redness and irritation. Most people with psoriasis have thick, red skin with flakey silver-white patches called scales. It is a persistent and chronic skin disease. The patient’s skin cells are turning over at a very rapid pace, every 4-5 days, causing this build-up of skin, which manifests itself in the form of unsightly and embarrassing dermatologic splotches.

Psoriasis can begin at any age, from infancy through the golden years. About 75% develop psoriasis before they turn forty. Psoriasis is not contagious. You cannot get this disorder from touching someone or even swimming in the same pool. Psoriasis is a complex genetic skin disorder and scientists have found that everyone who inherits the gene for psoriasis gets psoriasis.

If you think you have psoriasis, please seek the help of a dermatologist. Spas and other non-medical settings are not the right places to seek effective therapy for your skin. Board-certified dermatologists have the medical training and experience needed to determine the most appropriate treatments for each patient.