Common symptoms of psoriasis include:
Plaques — raised, inflamed patches of skin covered with scale (the buildup of dead skin cells). On white skin, plaques typically appear red with silvery-white scale, while on skin of color plaques may be purple, gray, or dark brownSmall, round, scaly spots (common in children with psoriasis)Dry, cracked skin that may bleedItching, burning, or sorenessThickened, pitted, or ridged nailsSwollen and stiff joints
Psoriasis patches can range from a few spots of dandruff-like scaling to major eruptions that cover large areas. Most types of psoriasis go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a time or even going into complete remission.
Raised, inflamed skin patches that can appear anywhere on the bodyA scaly coating on skin patchesFrequent locations for patches include the knees, elbows, lower back, and scalpItchingPatches that thicken when scratchedPatches varying in size, either alone or joined togetherNails that are pitted, crumbling, or falling off
Symptoms of guttate psoriasis include:
Small spots that are most common on the trunk, arms, and legs, but can show up anywhere on the bodySpots that clear up in a few weeks or months without treatment
The symptoms of inverse psoriasis include:
Smooth, discolored patches of skin — on skin of color these may appear purplish, brown, or darker than the surrounding skin, while on white skin these lesions may be bright red and shinySore skinPatches only on creases of the skin, like the armpits, near the groin, genitals, and buttocksRaw patches under the fold of the breast
In some cases, a skin biopsy may be done to determine the type of psoriasis, and to rule out other disorders that look similar to psoriasis, such as dyshidrotic eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, lichen planus, ringworm, and pityriasis rosea. When skin disorders such as psoriasis affect the body, certain changes take place that may lead to additional problems. Doctors aren’t sure if the risk of developing other conditions is solely related to the disease itself or if psoriasis treatment also plays a role. People with psoriatic arthritis experience painful, swollen joints and other symptoms. You can develop psoriatic arthritis any time, but it most commonly appears between age 30 and 50. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can increase your risk of developing the following health problems: Cancer In one recent meta-analysis, researchers found an association between psoriasis and an increased risk of developing cancers, including colon and liver.
