Psoriasis can be best described as a chronic autoimmune disorder, in which the patient experiences build-up in skin cells at a much faster speed than normal. Since the cells build up really fast, they leave a certain scaling on the surface of the skin. Psoriasis patients may experience redness as well as inflammation around the scaling of the skin, which is quite common. The typical scales of psoriasis look silver and whitish and they develop really thick and red patches. It is important to understand that generally a skin cell only lasts for a month. However, with patients of psoriasis, this speed is much faster and the cells do not have adequate time to die. These scales commonly occur on the knees, elbows, feet, neck, face, scalp, and even the joints. However, they may also occur on the mouth, the genital area, and even near the nails, although rarely. Given below is some more information about psoriasis:

Types of psoriasis
There are five different categories of psoriasis, which include:

• Plaque psoriasis
  It is the most common type of psoriasis and results in inflamed and red patches, which cover the surface of the skin. 
• Pustular psoriasis
  This type of psoriasis results in blisters that appear to be white and are filled with pus, along with broad areas of red and inflamed patches.
• Guttate psoriasis
  This type typically occurs in children and may result in spots that are pink in color. They most commonly occur on the legs, torso, and arms.
• Inverse psoriasis
  Inverse psoriasis results in red areas of shiny and bright skin. These may commonly occur in breasts or under armpits.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis
  Erythrodermic psoriasis is an extremely rare form of this condition. It is severe and ends up affecting really large surfaces at the same time. It causes the skin to look completely sunburned.

Symptoms of psoriasis
The symptoms of psoriasis may include the following:

• Red, inflamed patches of skin
• Harsh, red patches that also have silverish and whitish scales
• Dry skin which often bleeds and cracks
• Patches which get really sore and painful
• Sensations and burning along with itching near the patches
• Nails may get pitted and also quite thick
• Joints may become swollen and tend to hurt a lot

Another thing to remember is that psoriasis is not contagious. This skin condition cannot spread from one person to another from coming into contact with one affected. It is a common misconception that touching the scale may result in spreading of the condition, but this is not true.

Triggers of psoriasis
Now that we know of what the condition is and what its symptoms are, let us know about the triggers of psoriasis that may cause a flare-up:

• An increased amount of stress
• Alcohol consumption
• Having an injury such as a scrape, a cut, or an accidental graze

If you witness red patches on your skin that seem to be crusting over and painful, then visit a dermatologist to start on the treatment right away.