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Salt Water - Salts from the sea seems to have a positive therapeutic effect on psoriasis. Many people have had incredible results from swimming in the sea along with increased exposure to the suns UV rays.

Scale - A dry, thin flake of dead skin that visibly sheds away from the surface of the skin. Scales can be seen in many skin conditions.

Scalp Psoriasis - Scalp Psoriasis is commonly characterized by scale-capped plaques on the surface of the skull. About 50% of those with a form of psoriasis are diagnosed with scalp psoriasis.

Seborrheic Dermatitis - A chronic inflammatory condition characterized by moderate erythema; dry, moist, or greasy scaling; and yellow crusted patches on parts of the face, ears, eye area, naval, genitalia, and especially the scalp.

Side Effect - A condition or undesired adverse reaction that results from the use of a topical or systemic drug.

Steroid - A Synthetic medication made to replicate the same basic chemical structure of hormones produced by the adrenal glands of the body. Topical steroids (Corticosteroids) remain the most common treatment for mild cases of psoriasis.

Stratum Corneum - The outermost cell layer of the epidermis. This layer consists mainly of dead, peeling cells that form a barrier to protect and moisturize underlying cells.

Streptococcal Infection - A bacterial infection of the throat. Guttate psoriasis is closely associated with preceding streptococcal sore throat or tonsillitis.

Stress - A state of mental or emotional strain occurring in response to adverse outside influences and capable of affecting physical health.

Striae - Very fine, indented lines in portions of the skin. They may occur as a result of an operation or as a side effect of long term use of topical corticosteroids.

Subcutis - The deepest layer of skin or the subcutaneous layer. This layer consists of collagen and fat cells that help to pad and protect internal organs.

Systemic - Used to describe a substance or condition that affects the entire body and not localized in one particular place. Systemic treatment involves injecting or ingesting medicine into the body.