1. Moderate to Severe Psoriasis Slideshow Pictures
2. Psoriasis Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ
3. How Much Is Psoriasis Affecting Your Life?

Medical Author:

Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD

Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD

Dr. Cole is board certified in dermatology. He obtained his BA degree in bacteriology, his MA degree in microbiology, and his MD at the University of California, Los Angeles. He trained in dermatology at the University of Oregon, where he completed his residency.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• Psoriasis facts
• What is psoriasis?
• What causes psoriasis?
• What does psoriasis look like? What are psoriasis symptoms and signs?
• Can psoriasis affect my joints?
• How is psoriasis diagnosed?
• Can psoriasis affect only my nails?
• How many people have psoriasis?
• Is psoriasis curable?
• Is psoriasis contagious?
• Can I transmit the gene for psoriasis to my children?
• What kind of doctor treats psoriasis?
• What is the treatment for psoriasis?
• What creams, lotions, and home remedies are available for psoriasis?
• What oral medications are available for psoriasis?
• What injections or infusions are available for psoriasis?
• What about light therapy for psoriasis?
• Where can I get more information on psoriasis?
• Is there a national psoriasis support group?
• What is my long-term prognosis with psoriasis? What are complications of psoriasis?
• Pictures of Psoriasis - Slideshow
• Take the Psoriasis Quiz
• Psoriasis FAQs
• Patient Comments: Psoriasis - Symptoms
• Patient Comments: Scalp Psoriasis - Treatment
• Patient Comments: Psoriasis - Effective Treatments
• Find a local Dermatologist in your town
• Psoriasis Index

Psoriasis is a fairly common skin condition and is estimated to affect approximately 1%-3% of the U.S. population. It currently affects roughly 7.5 million to 8.5 million people in the U.S. It is seen worldwide in about 125 million people. Interestingly, African Americans have about half the rate of psoriasis as Caucasians.

No, psoriasis is not currently curable. However, it can go into remission and show no signs of disease. Ongoing research is actively making progress on finding better treatments and a possible cure in the future.

No. Research studies have not shown it to be contagious from person to person. You cannot catch it from anyone, and you cannot pass it to anyone else by skin-to-skin contact. You can directly touch someone with psoriasis every day and never catch the skin condition.

Yes, it is possible. Although psoriasis is not contagious from person to person, there is a known genetic tendency, and it may be inherited by the offspring of affected parents. Therefore family history is very helpful in making the diagnosis.

Dermatologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis, and rheumatologists specialize in the treatment of joint disorders and psoriatic arthritis. Many kinds of physicians may treat psoriasis, including dermatologists, family physicians, internal medicine physicians, rheumatologists, and other medical doctors. Some patients have also seen other allied health professionals such as acupuncturists, holistic practitioners, chiropractors, and nutritionists.

The American Academy of Dermatology and the National Psoriasis Foundation are excellent sources to help find physicians who specialize in this disease. Not all dermatologists and rheumatologists treat psoriasis. The National Psoriasis Foundation has one of the most up-to-date databases of current psoriasis specialists.