• Long-term inflammatory skin condition that may involve the joints
• Symptoms may include thickened white and red skin patches that are scaly and itchy
• Cause unknown but may involve factors such as family heredity, weakened immune system and other factors
• Cannot be spread from person to person
• Affects males and females but more common in females
• Can occur at any age but onset most often occurs by early adulthood
• May be mild to severe
• Usually not life threatening

• Keep your skin healthy and use lotion frequently
• Avoid long periods of sun exposure
• Soak in a bath with bath oil or bath salts for 15 minutes each day
• Avoid hot water

FOR ITCHING

• Avoid items or situations that cause you to itch
• Moisturize daily
• Use creams, lotions or gels that soothe and cool the skin
• Avoid scratching
• Cut fingernails short, and consider wearing gloves at night to prevent scratching
• Use mild, fragrance free soap and laundry detergent
• Cover area with cold wet bandages or take a cool bath
• Over-the-counter medicines (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Hydrocortisone cream
  • Diphenhydramine