Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin, causing the appearance of red, scaly patches that are often itchy or painful. There are more than 7 million adults living with psoriasis in the United States.
Many environmental and lifestyle factors can cause a person to experience a flare-up, during which their symptoms worsen. Some common triggers include:
- stress
- alcohol use
- tobacco use
- lack of sunlight
- viral infections, such as a cold
- certain medications
Psoriasis has no cure. However, treatment can reduce inflammation, remove plaques, and slow the growth of patches. The infographic below outlines the different effects that the condition can have on the body.