goodtoknow says: Psoriasis is a very common skin condition that you can get on your body, scalp and nails. An over production of skin cells causes the trademark red, scaly patches. It's not infectious. It often starts in your teens or 20s and you can have just the occasional patch or regular flare-ups. It can run in families or you can get it for no apparent reason. A combination of treatment is very effective from soothing creams and ointments, vitamin D creams are particularly good for your skin, to steroid creams and light therapy.

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of psoriasis from patient.co.uk, read on.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that tends to flare-up from time to time. There is no cure, but treatment with various creams or ointments can often clear, or reduce, patches of psoriasis. Powerful medication or special light therapy are treatment options for severe cases.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a common skin condition which typically develops as patches ('plaques') of red, scaly skin. Once you develop psoriasis it tends to 'come and go' throughout life. A flare-up can occur at any time. The frequency of flare-ups varies. There may be times when the psoriasis clears for long spells. However, in some people the flare-ups occur often. Psoriasis is not due to an infection and is not infectious, nor is it cancerous.

The severity of psoriasis varies greatly. In some people it is mild with a few small patches that develop which are barely noticeable. In others, there are many patches of varying size. In many people the severity is somewhere between these two extremes.

- Next: Who gets psoriasis?
- Also: Common treatments for psoriasis

More help and advice

- Tips on relieving psoriasis
- Expert advice on helping your skin problems
- Read Emily's story: how natural remedies helped her skin

• Next: Who gets psoriasis?

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