Psoriasis is a noncontagious skin condition that produces red, dry plaques of thickened skin.
The dry flakes and skin scales are thought to result from the rapid proliferation of skin cells that is triggered by abnormal lymphocytes from the blood.
Psoriasis commonly affects the skin of the elbows, knees, and scalp. Some people have such mild psoriasis (small, faint dry skin patches) that they may not even suspect that they have a medical skin condition.
Others have severe psoriasis where virtually their entire body is fully covered with thick, red, scaly skin.
