The plural form of psoriasis is "psoriases". It is pronounced as /səˈraɪəsiːz/. The word comes from the Greek word "psora" which means "itch". Psoriasis is a common skin disorder characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin. The spelling of "psoriases" may appear tricky due to its unusual combination of letters, but it follows the typical English plural form of adding "es" to words ending in "is".
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by the development of red, scaly, and often itchy patches on the skin. It is considered a non-contagious disease that affects the life cycle of skin cells, resulting in rapid cell accumulation on the surface of the skin. The condition commonly affects areas such as the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, but can occur on any part of the body.
Psoriasis is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. While it can occur at any age, most cases emerge in adulthood. The severity of the condition can range from mild, with small areas of affected skin, to severe, where large areas of the body are covered.
The exact cause of psoriasis remains unknown, but researchers suggest that a malfunction of the immune system plays a role. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, triggering an accelerated growth cycle. Certain triggers such as stress, infections, injuries, and certain medications may worsen symptoms or trigger flare-ups.
While psoriasis has no cure, various treatment options are available to manage symptoms and minimize the impact on daily life. These may include topical creams, oral medications, phototherapy (light therapy), and systemic drugs. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress levels, avoiding triggers, and practicing good skin hygiene are also recommended to help control the condition and improve overall well-being.
The word "psoriasis" comes from the Greek language. It is derived from the Greek word "psōra" (ψώρα), which means "itch" or "scale". The suffix "-sis" is added to indicate a medical condition or disease. Therefore, "psoriasis" literally means "itching condition" or "scaly condition".