Psoriasis is a skin condition in which you develop silver and white patches over skin. MedlinePlus says this is referred to as scales.
Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic reports that other symptoms of psoriasis include include dry and cracked skin and itching or burning skin. You also can develop swollen joints.
Cause
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. Your white blood cells attack your healthy body cells and cause this skin condition.
Complications
Psoriasis complications include include pain and itching, according to MedlinePlus.
Treatment
Topical retinoids, topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues and salicyclic acid are medications that treat psoriasis, the Mayo Clinic reports. Light therapy, methotrexate and hydroxyurea are other psoriasis treatments.
Alternative Treatments
The Mayo Clinic indicates that alternative medications for psoriasis include aloe vera, capsaicin cream and fish oil. Aloe vera can decrease redness, itching and scaling. Capsaicin cream reduces itching, and fish oil reduces inflammation.
