You know you have psoriasis if you see thick, red, scaly patches over your arms, elbow, knee, and scalp. You will notice dry flakes, and skin scales that might bleed if the skin is pulled off.

While the cause of this disease is yet unknown, but health experts tell you that it is often triggered off due to climatic changes and are thought to result from the rapid build-up of skin cells.

There are different types of psoriasis and can appear as small, faint, dry patches, or over the entire body as thick, red, scaly skin. People who suffer from it may not be aware that they have the condition, or may get emotionally affected because of their looks. This is what you need to know:

1. Psoriasis is non-contagious skin condition that can affect both men and women, and young and old. It can also affect your joints as the joint tissues get affected.

2. It is caused by rapid skin cell reproduction, and imbalance in the cellular turnover of the skin.

3. A combination of factors like genetic predisposition, environmental changes, and immune system are thought to trigger this condition.

4. It is a chronic non curable skin condition that improves periodically, and skin may remain clear for long period of time and stay in remission.

5. Rubbing of the skin, certain types of fabric, and climatic changes can worsen the condition.

6. For many colder, drier months can worsen the situation, and excessive scaling and itching can occur. Warmer months and exposure to sunlight can help the skin.

7. Treat your skin with thick emollient cream like Vaseline, you can treat excessive scaly skin with a lotion containing salicylic, lactic or glycolic acid.