Psoriasis
Psoriasis — a chronic autoimmune condition in which skin cells multiply far faster than normal, building up into thick, scaly plaques. These patches are often silvery-white over red or discolored skin and commonly appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
Key points
- It is driven by an overactive immune system that accelerates the skin cell life cycle from weeks to just a few days.
- Plaque psoriasis is the most common type, though guttate, inverse, pustular, and erythrodermic forms also exist.
- Flares can be triggered by stress, infections, skin injury, cold weather, and certain medications.
- Gentle moisturizing supports comfort, but medical treatment is often needed to manage the underlying immune activity.
Frequently asked
Is psoriasis just very dry skin?
No, psoriasis is an immune-driven condition that speeds up skin cell turnover, which is different from ordinary dryness even though the plaques can look and feel dry.
Can skincare help manage psoriasis?
Regular moisturizing and gentle, fragrance-free products can ease scaling and discomfort, but they complement rather than replace treatments prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Related topics
This is a foundational entry in the SYNC Skin Encyclopedia and is expanded over time. Educational information only — not medical advice.
