As you may know, psoriasis is a chronic condition that occurs when there’s an accelerated growth of new skin cells. There are five types of psoriasis, but the most common form is plaque psoriasis. This results in dry, scaly, itchy, red patches covered with thick, silvery scales on the skin.[1] These plaques can appear in varying sizes on any part of the body—mostly the scalp, knees, elbows, and torso.[1] No one can “catch” psoriasis from you. It’s not contagious.[1]

While psoriasis is visible on the skin’s surface, it actually starts inside your body in your immune system. Your immune system is made of billions of cells. One type of cell, called a T cell, normally helps your body fight infections. However, in the case of psoriasis, some T cells become overactive and cause skin cells to reproduce 7—10 times faster, leading to extra skin cells, inflammation, and plaques on the surface of your skin.[2]