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Psoriasis is a skin disease about which very little is known. It is not caused by one specific factor, and sometimes goes into remission for reasons unknown. Studies show that it affects between one and three percent of the population, usually whites over age 30. It also shows up among children and elderly people, although much less frequently.

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Although the origins of the disease are obscure, there is a series of factors that influence its emergence: they are hereditary, and involve an immune and inflammatory response from the body. Other factors, especially in making the disease worse, are environmental ones such as infections, basically of the upper respiratory tract, caused by streptococcus, some kinds of medicine, traumatism, consumption of alcohol and stress.

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But what is the mechanism� by which this disease surfaces and what are it symptoms? Skin, the body's most extensive organ, undergoes constant renovation, as does any other organ. Cells are born and cells die. Thus, little by little, skin cells reach the surface of the skin, loss flexibility because of a substance called keratin, turning into scales, or dead cells. This is a normal process that occurs in everyone. The difference between healthy people and those with psoriasis is the pace: the process takes 200 hours in healthy people but only 80 in those with the disease. There is an acceleration of the process, and the natural mechanism goes out of control.

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There are several kinds of psoriasis, and the most common one is characterized by appearance of distinct, red blemishes on the joints, trunk and scalp. These splotches are covered with white scales that come off easily. This kind psoriasis accounts for 80 percent of all cases. It can be accompanied by pain, itching and dryness. Another form of the disease is so-called guttate, or drop by drop, psoriasis. This involves red spots that do not form scales and can appear in childhood. Inverse psoriasis appears in the armpits, groin and under the breasts, places where skin folds and there is moisture,� while pustulous psoriasis causes lesions on the hands and feet, especially the soles and palms. The gravity of the disease is related to how much of the body is affected. If it takes up 2 percent of the skin, this is mild. More than 10 percent is serious.

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One of the problems with this disease is that it affects patients' quality of life. It requires daily care that takes time, and has symptoms such as itching and scaling that are very annoying. Also, while the disease is not contagious, it does have a social cost. It is a disease that is visible, and this can affect a person's relations with others. Some associations and foundations for people with psoriasis not only deal with therapy but the psycho-social aspect of the disease. They also educate people with the disease to make it easier to live with.

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There is no total cure, although there are treatments that minimize the symptoms and ease the problem. Depending on the kind of psoriasis the person has, doctors can prescribe corticoids, immune-system inhibitors and photo-therapy with UVB radiation.

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Natural remedies and medicine can also help. They rely on oils rich in vitamin E, which reduces inflammation, and supplements with vitamins A, C and E. Plants that are commonly used include Echinacea, ginkgo, Melissa and oats. They have immune� properties and modulate the nervous system.

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The diet of psoriasis patients should be rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, seed oil and whole grains, and low in fats, sweets, fried or spicy foods and alcohol. Tar shampoo is good for psoriasis on the scalp, while moderate exposure to the sun and watching out for and treating any kind of bacterial infection are other recommended techniques for therapy and prevention.