Psoriasis

From WikiCover

Psoriasis is a genetic, life-altering disease that results when faulty signals in the immune system prompt skin cells to regenerate too quickly, causing red, scaly lesions that can itch, crack and bleed.

As many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Ten percent to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory disease which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints. There is no cure yet for this lifelong disease.

America's Next Top Model CariDee English developed psoriasis at the age of five; by the time she was in her teens, thick psoriasis plaques covered nearly seventy percent of her body. On June 11, 2007, CariDee spoke in support of the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Research, Cure, and Care Act.