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psoriasis: common questions

How severe can psoriasis become?

How severe can psoriasis become?

Is psoriasis just a skin condition?

What can trigger my psoriasis?

Can my symptoms get worse in the winter?

Is psoriasis hereditary?

Is there a cure?

Is psoriasis contagious?

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Up to 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis.

It’s a chronic immune disease that appears on the skin. See “Inside & Out” to your right, for more.

Yes, dry air, decreased sunlight exposure and colder temperatures can contribute to psoriasis flare-ups during winter.

There is no cure for psoriasis, but there are a number of treatment options.

It can be mild, moderate or severe. The National Psoriasis Foundation considers mild psoriasis as affecting less than 3% of the body, 3-10% is considered to be moderate, and more than 10% is considered severe.

Psoriasis triggers vary from person to person, and can include stress, injury to skin, some types of infection, and certain medications.

About 1 out of 3 people with psoriasis report having a relative with the disease. Talk to your doctor about your genetic history.

No, it's not