Psoriasis is a rash or skin disease caused by a weakened immune system.

Symptoms include:

• Raised, red, scaly patches appear on the skin
• The rash usually shows up on the outside of the elbows, knees or scalp, but it can appear on any part of the body.
• Some people report that the rash burns and stings.

Important information about the disease:

• Psoriasis can be linked to other serious conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression.
• If you develop a rash that doesn’t go away with an over the counter medication, you should contact your doctor.
• Both men and women get psoriasis at equal rates, but it is more common in Caucasians than African Americans. (About 1.9 percent of African- Americans have psoriasis, compared to 3.6 percent of Caucasians).
• Psoriasis is not something you can “catch” or that others can catch from you.

More information about the disease

A dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin diseases) or another health care provider examines the affected skin and will be able to tell you if the rash is psoriasis.

To get more information about psoriasis CLICK HERE

For a free or low cost dermatologist consultation in your area, visit the Harlem Health Center (formerly the Helen B. Atkinson Health Center). CLICK HERE