Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes skin overgrowth.
It affects an estimated 5.
5 million Americans, causing red, painful patches of skin.
If you have psoriasis, it is important to understand this disorder so that you can prevent flare-ups.
With psoriasis, the immune system mistakenly sends signals to the epidermis to produce more skin cells.
This lead to a buildup of thickened areas of epidermis.
There are several different types of psoriasis, which contribute to the different appearances of abnormal skin patches.
The main types of psoriasis include:

• Plaque - patches of red skin with silvery scales
• Guttate - small, red-pink drops of excess skin
• Pustular - red patches of skin covered with raised pustules
• Inverse - red, smooth patches where skin folds together
• Erythrodermic - large areas of the body covered with painful and peeling red skin

Once you are diagnosed with psoriasis, there are many treatment options from which you can choose: you can address your condition from the inside out, or you can directly treat the painful patches of irritated skin.
You can take oral medications or have injections that help interrupt your immune system's improper signaling for skin production.
Topical creams work more to soothe the skin itself.
In some cases, people can choose to change their lifestyles to better treat their psoriasis.
You can avoid alcohol, which sometimes interferes with medication.
Also, it is good to avoid the sun, as this can further inflame your epidermis.
Some people have also reported success with diet changes such as avoiding gluten, the protein in wheat.
Additionally, it is very important to only use skincare products that are meant for sensitive, easily inflamed skin.
You should keep your skin moisturized with these special products so that you can avoid painful dry skin.