What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is classified as an autoimmune disorder, which means that it arises from the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy skin cells. This condition results in the rapid growth of skin cells, leading to the development of thick, red, scaly patches on the skin's surface. These patches can be itchy and painful, often appearing on areas such as elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.

In autoimmune diseases, the immune response is not functioning properly, causing inflammation and changes in tissue. In the case of psoriasis, immune cells known as T cells and neutrophils become activated and trigger an abnormal increase in skin cell turnover. This overproduction of skin cells outpaces the normal shedding process, resulting in the accumulation of excess cells and the characteristic plaques.

Understanding psoriasis as an autoimmune disorder is crucial for its management and treatment. Treatment often involves therapies that aim to reduce inflammation and immune response, such as topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, or systemic medications that modulate the immune system. This classification distinguishes psoriasis from other skin conditions, such as infections (viral or fungal) or allergic reactions, which have different underlying mechanisms and require different approaches for treatment.