Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by red patches and silvery scales. It is caused by an overactive immune system.

Psoriasis FAQ

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What is the most common type of psoriasis?

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) estimates that about 80–90% of people with the condition have plaque psoriasis. It causes red, inflamed patches on light skin tones and purple or grayish color or darker brown patches on skin of color — making it harder to diagnose in people of color.

Is psoriasis an autoimmune disease?

People with skin conditions such as psoriasis make more skin cells than normal and make them more quickly. The skin also becomes inflamed. The cause of these changes isn't fully understood but it is now thought that psoriasis is probably an autoimmune disease. Normally the immune system destroys anything that is foreign - eg, bacteria or viruses.

Does psoriasis scar the skin?

It happens due to immune system over-activity. Psoriasis is not infectious; therefore, you cannot catch it from someone else. It does not scar the skin, although sometimes it can cause temporary changes of skin colour. Although psoriasis is a long-term condition there are many effective treatments available to keep it under good control.

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

Nail psoriasis. Psoriasis can affect fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth and discoloration. Psoriatic nails might loosen and separate from the nail bed (onycholysis). Severe disease may cause the nail to crumble. Guttate psoriasis. Guttate psoriasis primarily affects young adults and children.

Does psoriasis cause a rash?

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp. Psoriasis is a common, long-term (chronic) disease with no cure. It can be painful, interfere with sleep and make it hard to concentrate.

How long does psoriasis last?

The condition tends to go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a while. Common triggers in people with a genetic predisposition to psoriasis include infections, cuts or burns, and certain medications. Treatments are available to help you manage symptoms.

How do you know if you have psoriasis?

There may be visible signs of inflammation such as raised plaques (plaques may look different for different skin types) and scales on the skin. This occurs because the overactive immune system speeds up skin cell growth. Normal skin cells completely grow and shed (fall off) in a month. With psoriasis, skin cells do this in only three or four days.

How does psoriasis affect the body?

Instead of shedding, the skin cells pile up on the surface of the skin. Some people report that psoriasis plaques itch, burn, and sting. Plaques and scales may appear on any part of the body, although they are commonly found on the elbows, knees, and scalp. Inflammation caused by psoriasis can impact other organs and tissues in the body.