US Medical Term · conditions
Psoriasis
Psoriasis
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Psoriasis |
| Spanish (Español) | Psoriasis |
| Chinese (中文) | 乾癬 |
| Korean (한국어) | 건선 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Vảy nến |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Psoriasis |
| Portuguese (Português) | Psoríase |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | โรคสะเก็ดเงิน |
| Japanese (日本語) | 乾癬 |
What it means
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease that causes skin cells to multiply up to ten times faster than normal, resulting in red, scaly, thick patches on the skin. It most commonly affects the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. Psoriasis is not contagious. Flare-ups can be triggered by stress, infections, certain medications, and skin injury. Beyond skin symptoms, psoriasis is associated with psoriatic arthritis and increased risk of heart disease. Treatment options range from topical creams and light therapy to systemic medications and biologics.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have thick, scaly patches on my elbows that my dermatologist diagnosed as psoriasis.
Tengo placas gruesas y escamosas en los codos que mi dermatólogo diagnosticó como psoriasis.
Can psoriasis affect my joints as well as my skin?
¿La psoriasis puede afectar mis articulaciones además de la piel?
Are biologic injections an option for severe psoriasis that does not respond to creams?
¿Son las inyecciones biológicas una opción para la psoriasis grave que no responde a las cremas?
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
L40 PsoriasisRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026