Psoriasis not an infectious skin problem

Psoriasis is a common condition where there is inflammation of the skin. It typically develops as patches (plaques) of red, scaly skin. Once you develop psoriasis it tends to come and go throughout life. A flare-up can occur at any time. The frequency of flare-ups varies. There may be times when pso...

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Published inThe Drogheda Independent
Main Author Good D R M I C H E L L E C O O P E R 'S
Format Newspaper Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Drogheda Independent News & Media 29.06.2016
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Summary:Psoriasis is a common condition where there is inflammation of the skin. It typically develops as patches (plaques) of red, scaly skin. Once you develop psoriasis it tends to come and go throughout life. A flare-up can occur at any time. The frequency of flare-ups varies. There may be times when psoriasis clears for long spells. However, in some people flare-ups occur often. Psoriasis is not due to an infection. You cannot pass it on to other people and it does not turn into cancer. There are two variations of chronic plaque psoriasis: - Scalp psoriasis: about half of people with chronic plaque psoriasis affecting the skin of their body will also have psoriasis affecting their scalp. The whole scalp may be affected, or there may just be a few patches. If severe, it can lead to hair loss in some people. - Infections. Certain types of infections may cause a flare-up of psoriasis. In particular, a sore throat caused by a certain type of germ (bacterium) called Streptococcus spp. can cause a flare-up of guttate psoriasis or chronic plaque psoriasis.