What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis a condition where our body's defences attack our own skin and joints. Areas of red, scaly skin builds up in affected areas and too much skin is produced – this skin becomes a shiny silver colour. Again, it can be found on joints, but is more commonly found on the opposite side of joints to eczema. There might be pain and itchiness too. Psoriasis will be covered in more detail in another article.

Paradoxically, UV light can make psoriasis worse, but it can also be used as a treatment for the areas of affected skin.

Treatment for psoriasis includes creams, UV light, or the use of UV light with drugs.

Photosensitivity Guide Index:

• What is photosensitivity?
• What are some photosensitive dermatoses caused by drugs or other chemicals?
• What are phototoxic reactions?
• What are photoallergic reactions?
• What is photocontact dermatitis?
• What are genetic and metabolic metabolic photosensitive dermatoses?
• What is pellagra?
• Who gets pellagra?
• What are some signs and symptoms of pellagra?
• What are porphyrias?
• What are acute porphyrias?
• What are cutaneous porphyrias?
• What is xeroderma pigmentosum?
• What is Bloom syndrome?
• What is Cockayne syndrome?

• What are photoaggravated dermatoses?
• What is atopic eczema?
• What is psoriasis?
• What is lichen planus?
• What is lupus erythematosus?
• What is dermatomyositis?
• What is actinic folliculitis?
• What is disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis?
• What are acquired idiopathic photosensitive dermatoses?
• What is polymorphic light eruption?
• What is chronic actinic dermatitis?
• What is solar urticaria?
• What is actinic prurigo?
• What is hydroa vacciniforme?
• What is juvenile spring eruption?