Who gets psoriasis and why?

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Typical psoriasis symptoms wax and wane. (Thinkstock photo)

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterised by thick red patches with flaky silvery scales that can be mistaken for dandruff when occurring on the scalp.

Psoriasis can affect any part of the skin, in particular the knees, elbows, hands, feet and lower back. In severe cases, the patches can be accompanied by painful joint swelling as well as joint disfigurement.

Psoriasis patches can range from minor dandruff-like scaling to major eruptions covering large areas of skin, says Dr Pang Shiu Ming, director and senior consultant, Dermatology Unit, Singapore General Hospital (SGH). In its severe form, psoriasis can be incapacitating, significantly affecting the patients quality of life. In rare occasions, very severe psoriasis can be life-threatening.

In Singapore, an estimated 40,000 people suffer from the disease, according to the Psoriasis Association of Singapore. Psoriasis can affect men, women and children at any age, though it has been found to be more common between the ages of 15 and 45.

Psoriasis symptoms

Most psoriasis patients have mild to moderate symptoms which are likely to wax and wane, appearing and disappearing in cycles. Psoriasis symptoms may flare up for a few weeks or months and then disappear for some time, even going into remission for some years. However, in most cases, the psoriasis symptoms do eventually recur.

A small number of patients suffer from the severe and persistent form of the skin disease.

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Who gets psoriasis and why?