Psoriasis is a skin condition, for some people it can be mildly irritating, for others it can seriously affect self-esteem social life and appearance that can lead to depression. What is known is that it can run in families and is not contagious. Depending on the particular type of psoriasis it can appear anywhere from the elbows and knees and fingernails, to the scalp or even all over the body. People with psoriasis can develop arthritis. Usually is worst in the tips of the fingers but it can be more widespread e.g. in the joints. Psoriasis basically happens because the body is casting off the outer most layers of skin too quickly. For some people there is an unusual reaction in the skin which causes this. This means the skin left on the surface isn't really ready to be there. Instead of being normal soft pink skin it is often red and coarse. This is where areas of psoriasis plaques come from. On occasions these plaques can be covered with a silvery scale.

Eczema, or dermatitis as it is sometimes called, is a group of skin conditions which can affect all age groups. In the United Kingdom, up to one fifth of all children of school age have eczema, along with about one in twelve of the adult population. The severity of the disease can vary. In mild forms the skin is dry, hot and itchy, whilst in more severe forms the skin can become broken, raw and bleeding. Although it can sometimes look unpleasant, eczema is not contagious. With treatment the inflammation of eczema can be reduced, though the skin will always be sensitive to flare-ups and need extra care.

Millions of people around the world suffer from ulcers. An ulcer is a sore or hole in the lining of the stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). People of any age can get an ulcer and women are affected just as often as men. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that lives on the lining of the stomach. Although we use to think that spicy food, acid, and stress were the major causes of ulcers, we now know that nine out of ten ulcers are caused by H. pylori. Medicines that reduce stomach acid may make you feel better, but your ulcer may come back. Here’s the good news : since most ulcers are caused by this bacterial infection, they can be cured for good with the right antibiotics.