With psoriasis, the immune system is somehow triggered, speeding up the growth cycle of skin cells. A psoriated skin cell takes 3-4 days to mature (normally it's about 30 days) and instead of being shed, the cells pile up and form lesions. Psoriasis can be mild (1-3% of the body) or severe (more than 10% of the body). A person's quality of life may be affected by the location of the psoriasis, regardless of whether it is mild or severe, e.g. psoriasis on the hands vs. psoriasis on the scalp. About 23% of psoriasis sufferers have been known to develop psoriatic arthritis, which is a milder form of rheumatoid arthritis. Psoriasis may affect a person's self esteem, causing anxiety, embarrassment and depression and a lower level of social interaction.

Psoriasis Triggers
Psoriasis can be triggered by emotional stress, skin injuries, infections, certain medications, weather, allergies, diet or as a reaction to chemicals or drugs. Psoriasis can also be triggered by the skin being traumatized, for example, by sunburn, an injection or vaccination. Triggers vary from person to person.

Psoriasis Treatments
Psoriasis is a lifelong disease and will require ongoing treatment. There is no cure, but many different treatments are available which can clear the psoriasis for a period of time. Every psoriasis sufferer may need to try a variety of psoriasis treatments to find the one that works for them. Treatments can be applied to the skin (topical) or work throughout the body (systematic). Moisturizing the skin, with a cream or cold shower, is recommended to stop the itching. Other treatment for the itchiness can include antihistamines, steroids, topical anesthetics, topical immunomodulators, capsaicin, antidepressants and aspirin. A medical examiner must examine the skin to diagnosis the disease. Treatments can be bought over the counter or prescribed.

The four main types of psoriasis treatment include;
1. Topical creams: Most common form of treatment, especially for mild cases.
2. Systemic/biologic medications: Prescribed medications for moderate to severe cases. Some of these include Cyclosporine, Methotrexate and Soriatane (Acitretin)
3. Phototherapy/Lasers: Exposure of the skin to wavelengths of ultraviolet light (medically supervised)
4. Alternative treatments: Mind and body therapies, dietary supplements, sun and water therapy, herbal and natural products.