# psoriasis

/sɝˈaɪəsəs/ (US) · /sˈɔːɹɪˌæsiz/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/psoriasis
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a long-term skin condition where red patches with white scales appear on the skin. It is not contagious and can be very itchy or painful.

For teachers: a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterised by the rapid proliferation of skin cells, resulting in thick, red, scaly patches. It is typically associated with inflammation and can affect various parts of the body, including the scalp, elbows, and knees.

## Examples

- He visits the dermatologist every month to manage his psoriasis.
- Many people with psoriasis find that their symptoms improve significantly during the summer months when they spend more time in the sun.
- While the exact cause remains unknown, psoriasis is believed to result from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers that stimulate an overactive immune response.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.