You've heard about the "heartbreak of psoriasis." Well, let's de-mystify this skin disorder. Psoriasis is a chronic disorder that is genetic and not contagious, which means that if you have it, you won't give it to someone by touching them. Psoriasis can be on any part of the body, even your scalp and nails, and is can be mild, moderate or severe. If you have severe psoriasis, its symptoms may affect your quality of life, but a good dermatologist will help you ease the symptoms with proper medication.

There are five types of psoriasis:

• Plaque psoriasis - red, silvery-white, scaly skin lesions; this is the most common variety of psoriasis
• Pustular psoriasis - pus-like blisters on the skin; occurs usually on the hands or feet.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis - severe redness and shedding of the body surface
• Guttate psoriasis - red, drop-like dots on the skin
• Inverse psoriasis - smooth, inflamed lesions in body creases.

In the early stages of the disease, psoriasis is almost unnoticeable, but you might notice itching or burning as the condition gets worse. You may also notice that you get some small red bumps that get bigger and become scaly patches that are itchy and uncomfortable. When the scales accumulate, they may get crusty with silvery scales.

While you might have a genetic predisposition to getting psoriasis, there are certain factors that can cause you to suffer from it. These include:

• Climate and weather — cold weather, in particular, can trigger the disease
• Physical trauma — you might develop a psoriatic lesion at the site of a skin injury
• Infections — viral upper respiratory disease, strep throat, HIV and boils might trigger the disease
• Psychological stress — this can worsen the condition.

Your dermatologist is the best source of good information and treatment about psoriasis. It is controllable and treatable and something that you can live with. Try to see your physician at the early stages of the disease to get it under control.