2,700 people from 678 families in which at least one family member had psoriasis. According to the researchers, PSORS1 is the first genetic determinant of psoriasis to be definitively identified in a largPsoriasis is a skin disease that occurs when cells in the outer layer of skin reproduce faster than normal and pile up on the skin's surface. This produces scaling, itchiness and irritation of the skin. Psoriasis is non-contagious.

Currently in the United States almost 5 million people are affected by this disease. It occurs in all age groups and about equally in men and women.

When psoriasis develops, thick patches of skin become red with silvery scales. Often the skin at the joints cracks making outbreak very painful. Psoriasis most often occurs on the knees, lower back, soles of the feet, scalp, elbows, face and palm.

There have been huge strides in understanding what causes psoriasis. Recently, a team from the University of Michigan looked for the gene -- called PSORS1 -- in more than 2,700 people from 678 families in which at least one family member had psoriasis. According to the researchers, PSORS1 is the first genetic determinant of psoriasis to be definitively identified in a large

soriasis is non-contagious.

Currently in the United States almost 5 million people are affected by this disease. It occurs in all age groups and about equally in men and women.

When psoriasis develops, thick patches of skin become red with silvery scales. Often the skin at the joints cracks making outbreak very painful. Psoriasis most often occurs on the knees, lower back, soles of the feet, scalp, elbows, face and palm.

There have been huge strides in understanding what causes psoriasis. Recently, a team from the University of Michigan looked for the gene -- called PSORS1 -- in more than 2,700 people from 678 families in which at least one family member had psoriasis. According to the researchers, PSORS1 is the first genetic determinant of psoriasis to be definitively identified in a larg

evelops, thick patches of skin become red with silvery scales. Often the skin at the joints cracks making outbreak very painful. Psoriasis most often occurs on the knees, lower back, soles of the feet, scalp, elbows, face and palm.

There have been huge strides in understanding what causes psoriasis. Recently, a team from the University of Michigan looked for the gene -- called PSORS1 -- in more than 2,700 people from 678 families in which at least one family member had psoriasis. According to the researchers, PSORS1 is the first genetic determinant of psoriasis to be definitively identified in a larg

alp, elbows, face and palm.

There have been huge strides in understanding what causes psoriasis. Recently, a team from the University of Michigan looked for the gene -- called PSORS1 -- in more than 2,700 people from 678 families in which at least one family member had psoriasis. According to the researchers, PSORS1 is the first genetic determinant of psoriasis to be definitively identified in a larg

2,700 people from 678 families in which at least one family member had psoriasis. According to the researchers, PSORS1 is the first genetic determinant of psoriasis to be definitively identified in a large clinical trial. The finding may help in the development of new, more effective treatments for the disfiguring inflammatory skin disease.

Some other research has found that psoriasis may be a disorder of the immune system. In a normal immune system a type of white blood cell, called a T cell is produced, that normally helps protect the body against infection and disease. Top Scientists have concluded that an abnormal immune system produces too many T cells in the skin. These excess T cells trigger the inflammation and excessive skin cell reproduction seen in people who suffer with psoriasis.

Doctors usually diagnose psoriasis after a careful examination of the skin. However, diagnosis may be difficult because psoriasis often looks like other skin diseases. A pathologist may assist with diagnosis