Psoriasis (sore-EYE-ah-sis) is a chronic (long-lasting) disease. It develops when a person’s immune system sends faulty signals that tell skin cells to grow too quickly. New skin cells form in days rather than weeks.

The body does not shed these excess skin cells. The skin cells pile up on the surface of the skin, causing patches of psoriasis to appear.

You cannot get psoriasis from touching someone who has it. To get psoriasis, a person must inherit the genes that cause it.

Psoriasis has been linked to an increased risk of certain forms of heart disease. So if you have been diagnosed with psoriasis, be sure to eat a heart healthy Mediterranean diet, get regular exercise, do not smoke, keep your blood pressure under control, try not to let the stress of life get to you and have regular follow up with your Internist.

Contact Dr. Heather Roberts for further information.