Who typically gets psoriasis?
No just Kim Kardashian. In fact psoriasis is very common and affects 2% of people in the UK.
It can start at any age, but most often develops in adults between 20 and 30 years old and between 50 and 60 years old. It affects men and women equally. The severity of psoriasis varies greatly from person to person.
Certain genes have been linked to psoriasis, so you are more likely to get it if someone else in your family has it. It is not contagious.
Psoriasis is a chronic (long-term) skin disease that causes red, scaly skin that may be painful, swollen or hot.
There are periods when you have no symptoms or mild symptoms, followed by periods when symptoms are more severe (called ‘flare-ups’).
The severity of psoriasis varies greatly from person to person. For some it is just a minor irritation, but for others it can have a big impact on quality of life.
MyHSN has more information on psoriasis and eczema and differences between psoriasis and eczema.