Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat It Looks LikeDiagnosisTreatmentAvoiding Irritation
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What It Looks Like
Diagnosis
Treatment
Avoiding Irritation
Elbowpsoriasiscauses red, itchy, scaly patches that typically appear on the skin that covers the outside of the joint. The elbows are one of the most common locations for psoriasis to develop.Plaque psoriasisis the most likely type, as it accounts for as many as 90% of all cases of this chronic skin condition.
This article reviews the symptoms and signs of elbow psoriasis, how it is diagnosed and treated, and what you can do to prevent skin irritation.
PositiveFocus / Getty Images
What Does Elbow Psoriasis Look Like?
Elbow psoriasis looks like plaque psoriasis that occurs on other areas of the body. It can appear as:
Psoriasis most frequently affects the outer elbow (theextensor surface), though it is possible for it to appear on the inner elbow (the flexor surface).
Along with this, elbow psoriasis can cause symptoms such as:
Can You Get Psoriasis on Just One Elbow?Yes. Elbow psoriasis can develop on one or both elbows, though that latter is more common.In addition, psoriasis may appear on your elbows alone or in additional places, including your knees, genitals, legs, and/or feet.
Can You Get Psoriasis on Just One Elbow?
Yes. Elbow psoriasis can develop on one or both elbows, though that latter is more common.In addition, psoriasis may appear on your elbows alone or in additional places, including your knees, genitals, legs, and/or feet.
What Is Psoriasis?
Diagnosing Psoriasis on the Elbow
If you are experiencing dry, thick, raised skin patches on your elbow or elbows, your primary healthcare professional may refer you to a skin specialist called adermatologist.
They will take a medical history, ask about your elbow symptoms and how long they’ve lasted, medications you take, and any recent changes in your life (such as an illness or increased stress).
They will also look at the rest of your body to see if there is psoriasis in other areas as well.
One of the most useful ways to arrive at a diagnosis of psoriasis is to rule out otherconditions that mimic psoriasison the elbow, such aseczemaor a fungal infection.It’s also common for the skin on elbows to bedryor haveitchy red bumps; sometimes these symptoms can be confused with psoriasis.
Eczema vs. Psoriasis
How Do I Get Rid of Psoriasis on My Elbows?
There are severaloptions for treating elbow psoriasis. Your dermatologist will narrow down which are likely to be most effective and safest for you.
Treatments for elbow psoriasis include:
You may need to experiment with some different options before finding what works. Even then, your treatment plan may need to change at certain times, such as during more stressful periods that could worsen symptoms.
Avoid Irritating Elbow Skin
Having elbow psoriasis can present its own unique set of challenges. While you may gravitate toward covering your elbow so others don’t notice your skin, some fabrics can also irritate psoriasis outbreaks.
Here are a few tips for avoid elbow skin irritation:
Summary
Psoriasis can affect the elbows, just as it can affect the knees, feet, and other parts of the body. Elbow psoriasis can cause red, itchy, scaly plaques, some of which may crack or bleed. These may appear on one or both elbows.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: signs and symptoms.National Psoriasis Foundation.Plaque psoriasis.American Psychological Association.Coping with a chronic illness.National Psoriasis Foundation.About psoriasis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.What’s the difference between eczema and psoriasis?Information NC for B, Pike USNL of M 8600 R, MD B, Usa 20894.Does light therapy (phototherapy) help reduce psoriasis symptoms?Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: Tips for managing.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: signs and symptoms.National Psoriasis Foundation.Plaque psoriasis.American Psychological Association.Coping with a chronic illness.National Psoriasis Foundation.About psoriasis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.What’s the difference between eczema and psoriasis?Information NC for B, Pike USNL of M 8600 R, MD B, Usa 20894.Does light therapy (phototherapy) help reduce psoriasis symptoms?Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: Tips for managing.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: signs and symptoms.National Psoriasis Foundation.Plaque psoriasis.American Psychological Association.Coping with a chronic illness.National Psoriasis Foundation.About psoriasis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.What’s the difference between eczema and psoriasis?Information NC for B, Pike USNL of M 8600 R, MD B, Usa 20894.Does light therapy (phototherapy) help reduce psoriasis symptoms?Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: Tips for managing.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: signs and symptoms.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Plaque psoriasis.
American Psychological Association.Coping with a chronic illness.
National Psoriasis Foundation.About psoriasis.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: diagnosis and treatment.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.What’s the difference between eczema and psoriasis?
Information NC for B, Pike USNL of M 8600 R, MD B, Usa 20894.Does light therapy (phototherapy) help reduce psoriasis symptoms?Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: Tips for managing.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
