"I want my Psoriasis cured!" - the demand of every sufferer of this debilitating condition. In order to assess whether this not unreasonable demand can be met, it is useful to learn a little background information. Psoriasis is a fairly common chronic skin disorder affecting approximately 2% of the population. It is not contagious and is believed to be a genetic condition.

There are a number of different treatments for psoriasis, but unfortunately there is no "magic bullet" which is 100% successful in every case.  Treatment for psoriasis is aimed at controlling and allieviating the condition.   Unfortunately, it is a long term medical condition which can be treated, however as yet there is no definitive cure.  These treatments can range from Emolients and Tar preparations, Vitamin D derivatives and Moisturizers.  Other possible treatments include Light Therapy,  Intravenus Medication, regular sunlight and herbal remedies.

Although the exact cause of Psoriasis is not fully understood, evidence suggests that people who have a genetic predisposition may react to certain stimuli such as streptococal throat infection, alcohol, certain medicine and other skin irritations.

In basic terms the ordinary renewing of the body's own skin cells is greatly accelerated. Skin cells are always on a cycle of renewal, and in a normal person, the cycle takes about 3 to 4 weeks.  A person who has psoriasis would experience a far quicker renewal process of between 2 and 6 days. The result of this accelerated process is that both living and dead cells accumulate on the surface of the skin.  These cells tend to have a thick, red, scalley appearance, and can become itchy and irritating.

The severity of psoriasis varies from person to person.  In some people there are small patches of affected skin, often on the hands, elbows and knees. Other people suffer from large areas around their waist and lower back, and often people have problems with their scalp.  Often the symptoms flare up for periods of time, and then subside for months or even years.

For the person suffering from psoriasis the psychological and mental problems can far out weigh the actual physical condition.  Accute embarrasement and self conciousness can occur, which can lead to problems ranging from not wearing clothes that do not cover the body entirely, to not wanting to take part in sporting activities for fear of the changing rooms.  Psoriasis can also have a devastating affect on personal relationships due to the percieved embarrassing nature of the symptoms.

Is psoriasis contagious?

No, psoriasis is not contagious. It is not something you can "catch" or "pass on." The psoriatic lesions may not look good, but they are not infections or open wounds. People with psoriasis pose no threat to the health or safety of others.

What causes psoriasis?

No one knows exactly what causes psoriasis, but it is believed to have a genetic component. Most researchers agree that the immune system is somehow mistakenly triggered, which speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells. A normal skin cell matures and falls off the body's surface in 28 to 30 days. But a psoriatic skin cell takes only three to four days to mature and move to the surface. Instead of falling off (shedding), the cells pile up and form the lesions.