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Make this my homepagePsoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition occurring in approximately two percent of people in the UK. Time of onset is usually between ages of 11-45yrs. Flaky, red patches form on the skin which can look shiny and cause itching or burning. They can be anywhere, but are more common on the elbows, knees and lower back.
With psoriasis, some of the body's antibodies attack skin cells by mistake, causing them to reproduce too quickly and build up on the skin. Symptoms can be triggered or aggravated by certain things such as alcohol, smoking and some medicines like anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen and beta blockers are two examples).
Psoriasis patches are treated in different ways depending on how bad they are. Treatments include creams with vitamin D or A, steroid creams, tar preparations, UV light exposure and medication. It is not passed on through close contact.
Sources
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/skin/Pages/Commonconditions.aspx (last accessed May 2010)
