Psoriasis Australia

About Psoriatic Disease

Psoriatic disease is a systemic autoimmune condition that predominately affects the skin, the joints, or both. There are two autoimmune disease that fall under psoriatic disease, psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Skin and joint symptoms are different manifestations of the same disease. It is estimated that approximately one-third of people with skin manifestations (psoriasis) will develop a type of inflammatory arthritis affecting joints and tendons (psoriatic arthritis). It is possible that some people may develop joint symptoms before skin lesions appear.

Key Facts

Psoriatic disease is:

  • Chronic - Psoriatic disease cannot be cured.
  • Noncommunicable - Psoriatic disease is not contagious.
  • Painful - Chronic inflammation leads to pain, especially in joints and lower back.
  • Disfiguring - Psoriatic disease can lead to permanent disfigurement.
  • Disabling - If left untreated, or treated incorrectly, chronic inflammation can lead to permanent disability
  • Inflammatory - Psoriatic disease is an immune-mediated disease where chronic inflammation causes damage in multiple body sites and may lead to depression.

    • About Psoriasis

    Psoriasis is a common medical condition that occurs when skin cells grow too quickly. The result can be seen as inflamed, thickened and scaly areas of skin. It can affect other areas, such as the scalp, finger or toe nails and genitals.
    About Psoriasis

    Types of psoriasis

    There are several types of psoriasis that can effect adults and children and can appear anywhere on the body.
    Psoriasis Types

    Psoriasis Diagnoisis

    Being diagnosed with psoriasis is an important step in determining the most suitable treatment option available to you.
    Psoriasis Diagnosis

    Psoriatic Arthritis

    Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis, that affects joints as well as areas where tendons join to bones.
    About Psoriatic Arthritis