The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting onset of or preventing development of a psoriatic lesion in a patient having psoriasis. The method comprises administering to a patient having psoriasis an effective amount of an agent that inhibits NF-κB activity under conditions effective to inhibit onset of or prevent development of psoriatic lesions. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of treating an early stage psoriatic lesion on a patient by contacting the early stage psoriatic lesion of a patient with an effective amount of an agent that inhibits NF-κB activity, whereby said contacting inhibits development of the early stage psoriatic lesion. Both transgenic and nontransgenic approaches are contemplated.