Psoriasis is a common, chronic, scaly rash that affects people of all ages (about 2% of the population). There is a genetic predisposition to psoriasis i.e. it tends to run in families. Psoriasis is also influenced by many environmental factors. It is not contagious and is not due to an allergy.

The most common ages for psoriasis to first appear are in the late teens and in the 50s. It affects men and women equally, although in children, girls are more commonly affected than boys. Psoriasis may be caused by a problem with the immune system. Skin cells grow too quickly and build up into hard, itchy, crusty patches.

Natural home remedies
Every evening, pat garlic oil on the affected area. You can do this by puncturing a garlic pearle (soft gel) and squishing out the oil. It may help clear up the condition.

Vitamin E therapy has been found effective in the treatment of psoriasis. The patient should take this vitamin in therapeutic doses of 400 mg a day. It will help reduce itching and scab formation

Apply aloe vera gel, garlic oil, and comfrey and goldenseal tea.

Add 1 teaspoon of sarsaparilla root (available at health food stores) to 1 cup of just- boiled water and let it steep for 15 minutes. If it's cool enough by then, strain and saturate a white washcloth in the liquid and apply it to the trouble spot. You may need more than one washcloth, depending on the extent of the condition. If it seems to agree with you, do it morning and night for a week and watch for an improvement.

The oil extracted from the outer shell of the cashewnut is acrid and rubefacient. It can be applied beneficially on the affected area.