About Psoriasis Psoriasis Psoriasis [pronounced sore-EYE-ah-sis] is a noncontagious, lifelong skin disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis. The most common form, plaque [plak] psoriasis, appears as raised, red patches or lesions covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells, called scale. Use the links below to learn about psoriasis. Related section: Psoriasis treatment

Forms of psoriasis There are five types of psoriasis. Click on the names to learn more. Plaque: Most common form of the disease Guttate: Appears as small red spots on the skin Inverse: Occurs in armpits, groin and skin folds Pustular: White blisters surrounded by red skin Erythrodermic: Intense redness over large areas	Specific skin sites Psoriasis can occur on any part of the body. Learn more about psoriasis on specific skin sites: Scalp psoriasis Genital psoriasis On the face - Around eyes, ears, mouth and nose On the hands and feet Psoriasis of the nails
Fast facts Frequently asked questions Statistics Glossary Links of interest	More information Newly diagnosed with psoriasis? Start here Living with psoriasis Psoriasis triggers Pregnancy, conception and psoriasis