Patient education: Psoriasis (The Basics)

What is psoriasis? — Psoriasis is a skin condition that can make parts or all of your skin red, thick, and flaky. In people with dark skin tones, the psoriasis spots might look purple, dark brown, or dark gray. The flakes on top of psoriasis are usually silver or white and thick.

Doctors do not know exactly what causes psoriasis to suddenly appear. Certain things might make some people more likely to get psoriasis, like having family members with the condition.

What are the symptoms of psoriasis? — The symptoms of psoriasis can include:

●Areas of skin that are dry, red, or dark, and that are usually covered with silvery or white flakes (picture 1 and picture 2 and picture 3)

●Rashes on the scalp, genitals, or in skin folds (like in the armpit, groin, or under the breasts)

●Itching

●Nail changes that make the fingernails or toenails look pitted, crumbly, or different in color (picture 4 and picture 5 and picture 6)

Psoriasis has an emotional effect, too. People with the condition often feel embarrassed by their skin, and some get depressed or anxious. If you have these problems, mention them to your doctor or nurse. You might feel better with counseling or another type of mental health treatment.

Is there a test for psoriasis? — Your doctor or nurse should be able to tell if you have psoriasis by looking at your skin and by asking you questions. In rare cases, doctors take a small sample of skin to check if psoriasis is the problem.

What can I do to reduce my symptoms? — Use unscented thick moisturizing creams and ointments to keep the skin from getting too dry.

How is psoriasis treated? — There are treatments that can relieve the symptoms of psoriasis. But the condition cannot be cured.

Treatments for psoriasis come in creams and ointments, pills, or shots. There is also a form of light therapy called "phototherapy" that can help with psoriasis. Treatments for psoriasis work by slowing the growth of skin, controlling the immune response that causes psoriasis, or both. Most people need to try different treatments or combinations of treatments before they figure out what works best. The medicines that are used most often are called steroids. These medicines are applied to the skin.

What is psoriatic arthritis? — Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis. It causes pain and swelling in the joints. It is important to tell your doctor or nurse if you have psoriasis and notice pain in your joints.

People with psoriatic arthritis can take medicines to reduce pain and swelling. Exercise and physical therapy can also help. Plus, some of the same medicines that help with the skin problems caused by psoriasis also help with psoriatic arthritis.

More on this topic

Patient education: Eczema (atopic dermatitis) (The Basics)
Patient education: Psoriatic arthritis in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Psoriatic arthritis in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Topical corticosteroid medicines (The Basics)

Patient education: Psoriasis (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Psoriatic arthritis (Beyond the Basics)