What is psoriasis? Psoriasis is a common life-long skin disease that also affects the nails and joints. The skin lesions appear red and covered by thick white scales due to a rapid life cycle of skin cells. It is non-contagious, not related to food and is not caused by allergy. The course of disease is characterized by period of improvement or remission alternating with period of flares. It is estimated that psoriasis affects 1-3% of the population worldwide. In Malaysia, a few tertiary centres reported 2.1 to 9.5% of skin clinic attendees are due to psoriasis. Men and women are affected equally. Psoriasis can begin at any age with most reported between 12 and 36 years but it is uncommon under the age of 10 years. What causes psoriasis? The exact cause of psoriasis remains unknown. Inheritance of gene that causes psoriasis is believed to play a key role. Approximately 30% of affected individuals also have family members with psoriasis. Various factors are kno...
Centre of Excellence for Dermatological and Aesthetic Sciences