Psoriasis effects about 5% of the United States population, making it a very common skin condition. It is a benign skin conditions in its most basic form, but 10-30% of people with psoriasis may also suffer from psoriatic arthritis, making it much more debilitating. In many cases, its most detrimental affect is the psychosocial impact it has on the individual. It is often coupled with embarrassment, episodes of social isolation, depression, and a decrease in the quality of life.

Psoriasis is a chronic immunologic skin condition. Psoriatic flares are related to stress in 50% of cases, whether one catches a cold, gets sick on a medicine, has home or work stress, or a death in the family. Anything that creates stress on the body can exacerbate psoriasis, and while a genetic predisposition is necessary for it to develop, not everyone with this predisposition will develop psoriasis. It tends to run in families.

Psoriasis has been studied for years. Multiple treatment modalities have been used because no one treatment is excellent for the long term. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Topical medicines, systemic medicines, and laser and light based therapies are the most popular approaches. It is important to be treated safely for the long term. Psoriasis tends to be a life long affliction in most cases. Most specialists believe it must be treated with a non-perfectionist attitude, trying to improve the condition with safer treatments and not completely eradicate it through the use of more dangerous medicines.