Bacteria
A class of microorganisms that cause infections.

Biologics
Man made proteins similar to those found in the body. They are designed to target specific cells or proteins.

Chronic
Long-lasting, ongoing.

Corticosteroids
A class of substances related to a natural hormone that can diminish an inflammatory response such as itching or irritation of the skin.

Dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Psoriasis characterized by severe redness and shedding of skin cells.

Exfoliation
Peeling and sloughing off of the skin's cells.

Flare-ups
Sudden outbreaks.

Guttate Psoriasis
Psoriasis characterized by red, drop-like spots on the skin.

Immunosuppressant
An agent that suppresses or prevents the body’s immune response.

Inverse Psoriasis
Psoriasis characterized by smooth, inflamed lesions within the folds of the skin.

Koebner’s Phenomenon
The development of a psoriatic lesion at the site of a skin trauma.

Lesions
A wound or injury to the skin.

Parakeratosis
The process of psoriatic skin that continuously forms and scales off.

Phototherapy
Treatment with ultraviolet light.

Plaque Psoriasis
Psoriasis characterized by red skin lesions that are silvery and scaly.

Plaques
Patches of red, rough skin covered with silvery scales that is caused by psoriasis.

Psoriatic Arthritis
An immune system disorder that includes both psoriatic skin lesions and joint inflammation, although they may not necessarily occur at the same time.

Pustular Psoriasis
Psoriasis characterized by pus-like blisters on the skin and is typically found on the hands or feet.

PUVA
Stands for Psoralen + ultraviolet light A and is a type of phototherapy used in treatment of psoriasis. A medication called psoralen is ingested, topically applied, or used in a bath prior to the patient being exposed to UVA rays.

Retinoids
Compounds related to Vitamin A. They affect how fast cells grow and are used to treat Plaque, Erythrodermic and Pustular Psoriasis, especially if other treatments don’t work.

Salicylic Acid
A chemical that removes scales, allowing topical treatments to better penetrate the skin.

Scaling
Abnormal shedding or accumulation of an upper layer of skin

Steroids
Drugs that slow the growth of excess skin cells and reduce inflammation.

Systemic Treatment
Medication that affects the entire body (system).

Topical
On the surface of the body.

Trigger
An environmental factor that reacts with a genetic predisposition causing the onset or worsening of psoriasis. Common triggers include injuries and infections.

Ultraviolet light
The wavelengths that are used to treat psoriasis. It is the short wavelength found naturally in sunlight that also causes sunburn.