Psoriasis is a long-term (chronic) scaling disease of the skin which appears as red, raised scaly patches known as plaques. These lesions commonly appear on the elbows, knees and scalp. Normally a skin cell matures in 21 – 28 days and during this time it travels to the surface, where it is lost in a constant invisible shedding of dead cells. In patches of psoriasis the turnover of skin cells is much faster, around 4 – 7 days, and this means that even live cells can reach the surface and accumulate with the dead cells. Nail changes are present in 50% of people and some people can develop psoriatic arthritis.

Download the Psoriasis Skin Health Fact Sheet here.

RITM Dermatology Clinic: (02) 842-6282