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Not to be used for advertising or in a defamatory context .Psoriasis on the hand of an 80 year old male patient. Psoriasis occurs when skin cells are produced much faster than normal. The body cannot shed the new cells fast enough, resulting in patches (plaques) of scaly, thick skin, which are often itchy and sore. It typically affects the elbows, knees, scalp and back, but can appear anywhere on the body. The cause of this condition is not fully understood but it's thought to be due to an overactive immune system. There is no cure, however, topical treatments, anti-inflammatories and phototherapy can be used to alleviate symptoms. This patient also has ankylosing spondylitis, a long-term condition in which the spine and other areas of the body become inflamed. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/DR P. MARAZZI)