Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease with a variety of different symptoms. The most common are rough red patches with well-defined contours. These round or oval psoriatic plaques are covered in thick white skin, called scales. Both the size and number of lesions may vary. This highly common skin disease may appear at any age.  Psoriasis is most frequently found on skin areas that are subject to friction: knees, elbows, abdomen and lower back. It can also be found on the scalp, hands and feet, nails and mucous membranes.

We are still unsure as to what precisely causes psoriasis.  Nevertheless, we know that outbreaks of psoriasis may be triggered in individuals who have a genetic predisposition to the disease, when confronted with several factors: 

• stress
• overwork
• a psychological shock
• clothing that rubs against the skin
• particular medicines
• an infection (rhinopharyngitis, pharyngitis...)

• Creams, ointments and lotions prescribed by dermatologists help stop the inflammation. They also eliminate excess scales and smooth rough skin. Moreover, moisturising creams are effective in soothing itchiness.
• Phototherapy, which is also recommended for treating psoriasis, uses UVA, UVB or laser to slow down the production of skin cells.
• Medicine in the form of tablets is used to treat very severe forms of psoriasis. 
• Finally, there is another treatment that has proven to be effective: spa therapy. Thermal spa water has healing and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce the number and size of the lesions.  
  
  For more information, please contact your dermatologist.