Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are two symptoms of a single disease caused by an overactive immune system that attacks the skin and joints of the affected individual. The “T cells” or white blood cells that fight infections in the body are also the cause of psoriasis. Psoriasis is characterized by red patches of inflamed skin with a buildup of dead skin or silvery-white scales. Psoriatic arthritis is similar to rheumatoid arthritis in that it is an inflammation of the joints. This inflammation can cause pain, stiffness, and even disfigurement. The same white blood cells that attack the skin also attack the cartilage in the joints. However, it is still unclear what drives white blood cells to attack the skin and joints. “Scientists believe that at least 10% of the general population inherits one or more genes that create a predisposition to psoriasis. However, only 2-3% of the population develops the disease. Researchers believe that for a person to develop psoriasis, the individual must have a combination of genes that cause psoriasis and be exposed to specific external factors known as triggers." (National Psoriasis Foundation, 2013a) Although not scientifically proven , some triggers suspected of causing psoriasis flare-ups are stress, injury to the skin itself (known as the Koebner phenomenon), medications that treat other health conditions, and infections (National Psoriasis Foundation, 2013a). Psoriasis can appear on any part of the body. It is most likely to develop on the scalp, elbows, hands, groin, legs and feet. It can also cause thick, discolored nails known that psoriasis is hereditary, which means that the gene that causes the disease ca...... middle of document ...... treatment option suggested by your doctor, careful monitoring and follow-up visits are needed up to successfully combat the symptoms. Works Cited Carrasco, J. (2011 Psoriasis: Causes,). Diagnosis and treatment. Hauppage, NY: Nova Science Publishers Retrieved from Kaplan University Library. National Psoriasis Foundation (2013a). Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/causes National Psoriasis Foundation (2013b). Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/relative-conditions National Psoriasis Foundation (2013c). Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/types National Psoriasis Foundation (2013d). Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/learn_statistics National Psoriasis Foundation (2013e). Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/psoriatic-arthritis/diagnosis Xtrac (2013). Retrieved from http://www.xtracnow.com