L40: Psoriasis

L40.5: Arthropathic psoriasis

Your body’s own immune system plays a role in the development of psoriasis. The condition can be hereditary. Other family members may then be affected, too. Triggers such as skin irritations, stress or certain medications can make the condition worse.

Psoriasis causes skin changes to appear. Excessive amounts of new skin cells are then formed in the changed areas. The skin also becomes inflamed. The areas affected also become red and are very scaly.

The condition can also trigger joint inflammation. These inflammations can appear without the skin changes or in addition to them. The inflammations can lead to long-term damage to the affected joints. You have one or more joints that are inflamed or damaged by psoriasis.