August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, a good time to learn about this common skin condition.

Plaque psoriasis, the most common kind, appears as red, raised patches on the skin with silvery-white scales. On people with darker skin, the patches might look purple, gray, or dark brown. Psoriasis patches often appear on the scalp, elbows, and knees. It can also cause dry and cracked skin, which may bleed, and problems with fingernails and toenails.

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, psoriasis is an immune-related disease and can happen to anyone—men, women, and even children (though it is more common in adults). The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, leading to rapid skin cell turnover and inflammation. Problems with psoriasis often runs in families. You are more likely to get it if you have a close family member who has it. Some people with psoriasis also suffer from psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain and swelling in the joints. About 10% to 30% of people with psoriasis will also have psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriasis is associated with inflammation throughout the body. If you have psoriasis you may have a higher chance of getting other health problems including:

• Heart attacks or strokes
• Mental health issues like depression
• Some types of cancer
• Other illnesses like diabetes, Crohn’s disease, obesity, and kidney or liver problems

The symptoms of psoriasis often come and go in cycles. Symptoms can flare up for a time and then get better or even go away completely. Common causes (also called triggers) can include stress, illness (particularly strep throat), skin injuries, certain medicines, and even weather changes.

There are many ways to treat psoriasis. Mild psoriasis can often be successfully treated with creams, ointments and other topical medicines. Moderate and severe psoriasis may need pills, injections, or special light treatments. Managing common triggers, such as stress and skin injuries, can also help keep symptoms under control.

If you think you might have psoriasis, talk to your primary care provider. They can look at your skin and help figure out the problem. If needed, they can also send you to a dermatologist (a skin doctor) for more specialized treatment. You can learn more about psoriasis at the National Psoriasis Foundation.