Though dramatic, the heartbreak of psoriasis was a phrase used for years to describe this chronic skin condition. Psoriasis is identified by the presence of thickened, scaly areas of skin sometimes accompanied by papules (small, solid, often-inflamed bumps that, unlike pimples, do not contain pus or sebum). These bumps are usually slightly elevated above the skin surface, sharply distinguishable from normal skin, and can be red to reddish brown in color. Dotted over the various parts of the face and body, the lesions are usually covered with small whitish silver scales that stick to the cystlike swelling; if scraped off, the skin may bleed. The extent of the disease varies from a few tiny patches to generalized involvement of most of the skin from head to toe. More typically, just the elbows, knees, scalp, and chest are involved.
It is thought that psoriasis affects over 7 million people in the United States alone, but for most people it tends to be mild and aesthetically unappealing rather than a serious health concern, which is probably why fewer than 2 million people seek medical treatment for it (Source: OTC Journal Newsletter, October 15, 2001, online at www. otcjournal. com/ profiles/astr/20011015-1.html).