Psoriasis (suh-RYE-uh-sihs) is a group of skin disorders that may vary widely in symptoms, severity, and location. The condition results when skin cells reproduce much faster than they can be shed, leading to an excess buildup of dead skin.

The symptoms of psoriasis (suh-RYE-uh-sihs), like scaling, itching, and redness, are due mainly to the over-production of cells in the skin's outer layer.

It may be difficult to find a cure for psoriasis (suh-RYE-uh-sihs) until its cause is fully understood. At present, doctors suspect that genetics, infection or injury, and autoimmune malfunction may all play a role in psoriasis.