Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that is often misunderstood. It can cause raised, dry and scaly patches, and its appearance may vary from person to person. Psoriasis is not contagious—it cannot be caught from or passed to another person through touch.
People have described skin conditions resembling psoriasis for centuries. However, older descriptions of skin disease did not always distinguish psoriasis clearly from other conditions. Understanding of psoriasis developed over time as dermatologists improved the classification of skin diseases.
A brief history of psoriasis
For many centuries, different skin conditions were grouped together under broad descriptions. This contributed to confusion between psoriasis and other diseases, including leprosy. Historical terms should not be treated as modern diagnoses: references to a skin condition in an ancient text do not establish that it was psoriasis.
In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, English dermatologist Robert Willan helped classify skin diseases by their visible features. In the 1840s, Viennese dermatologist Ferdinand von Hebra further clarified the distinction between psoriasis and leprosy. This marked an important step in the medical understanding of psoriasis as a distinct skin condition.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition involving the immune system and the life cycle of skin cells. It can cause dry, thickened or scaly patches, which may itch or feel sore. The appearance and location of patches can differ between individuals and across different skin tones.
Psoriasis may improve for a period and then flare again. Triggers and experiences vary, so a person’s course cannot be predicted from another person’s experience.
Is there a cure for psoriasis?
There is currently no permanent cure for psoriasis, but there are medical care options that can help manage symptoms. Depending on the type and severity, these may include treatments applied to the skin, light-based treatment, or medicines that work throughout the body. A doctor or dermatologist can discuss suitable options and potential risks.
Do not start, stop or change a prescribed medicine without discussing it with the prescribing professional. Some treatments require monitoring, and the right approach depends on the individual.
Traditional and complementary perspectives
Different traditional systems may use their own concepts and terminology to discuss skin health. These concepts should not be assumed to be identical to a modern medical diagnosis of psoriasis. Traditional and complementary approaches should not replace medical assessment or prescribed care, particularly when symptoms are severe, spreading, painful or affecting daily life.
At Pusat Rawatan Tradisional & Komplementari Luqman Herbs & Homeopathy Centre, questions about traditional and complementary services can be discussed in the context of an individual’s needs. Suitability and outcomes vary. Anyone considering complementary care should inform their healthcare professional about all medicines and products they use.
When to seek professional advice
Consider seeking assessment if you have persistent or worsening scaly patches, are unsure what the skin condition is, or have symptoms that are painful or affecting your daily activities. A qualified healthcare professional can assess the skin and discuss appropriate care options.
Seek medical advice if you have psoriasis symptoms together with painful, swollen or stiff joints, as these should also be assessed.
Further reading
- NHS: Psoriasis
- American Academy of Dermatology: Psoriasis overview
- American Academy of Dermatology: Psoriasis diagnosis and treatment
- Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology: Psoriasis from antiquity to the present
This article is for general health education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or care. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional about your symptoms and treatment options.