Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFrequent SymptomsComplicationsWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Frequent Symptoms
Complications
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to describing the symptoms ofpsoriasis, most people think about the red, scaly rash associated withplaque psoriasis, the most common form of the disease. But there are other types of psoriasis, each with its own characteristicsigns and symptoms. In addition, certain forms of theautoimmune diseasecan easily be mistaken for other conditions and, as such, require expert evaluation to reach the correct diagnosis.
The symptoms of psoriasis are directly linked to the type of disease involved. While dermatological (skin) symptoms are common, they can vary in appearance and may not even occur in some cases. In fact, some types of psoriasis are limited to the nails, joints, or specific parts of the body.
6 Common Triggers for Psoriasis
Plaque Psoriasis
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoPlaque psoriasis.DaveBolton / Getty Images
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
The patches can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on flexor surfaces (areas of skin opposite a joint, such as the inside of an elbow or the back of a knee). The rash also can show up on the scalp, face, and around or inside the ears. The reddened plaques will sometimes consolidate and cover greater portions of the body.
Although the scales on the surface of skin tend to shed easily, the ones just below are more tenacious and can bleed easily if scratched. This can lead to a classic finding called theAuspitz signin which the tiny pinpoints of bleeding create a pattern similar tocrusted scabies.
When plaque psoriasis affects thescalp, it can easily be mistaken for dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis). However, with psoriasis, the affected skin will be dry with a silvery sheen; with seborrheic dermatitis, the skin will almost always be oily.Psoriasis on the scalp may be mild, with small patches on the back of the head and neck, or generalized, affecting the whole head.
When occurring on the face, psoriasis may affect the eyebrows, upper lip, and hairline. Very rarely, psoriasis can develop on the gums orinside the nose, cheeks, or lips. These lesions are often whitish or grey and can interfere with chewing and swallowing. While similar toaphthous ulcers, psoriatic lesions tend not to have a consolidated center.
Psoriasis in the earcan be problematic as the flakes can gradually accumulate inside the ear canal. Symptoms may include pain, itching, ear wax blockage, and hearing loss.
Nail Psoriasis
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoPsoriasis of the nails.Trevor Knowles / Getty Images
The symptoms of nail psoriasis are similar to other nail diseases, includingonychomycosis(nail fungus). They include:
At its worst, nail psoriasis can cause the nail to become thick, crumbly, and unsightly. This may not only cause embarrassment but interfere with a person’s ability to walk.
Guttate Psoriasis
Bumps resulting from aguttate psoriasisrash can be described as:
The rash can appear suddenly on the torso, arms, or legs, usually following a viral or bacterial infection likestrep throat,chickenpox, or the common cold. It is more common in children given that they are more prone to these infections.
6 Drugs That Can Trigger Psoriasis
Inverse Psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis, also known asintertriginous psoriasis, is a relatively rare form of the disease affecting skin folds. Inverse psoriasis typically occurs behind the ears, under the breasts, between the buttocks, or in the groin or armpits.
Pustular Psoriasis
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoPustular psoriasis: palmar pustulosis.DermNet / CC BY-NC-ND
There are several subtypes of pustular psoriasis. In the focal form of the disease, the rash appears only on small areas of the body, such as the palms, soles, fingers, or toes.
Von Zombusch psoriasisis a more serious form that can cover large areas of skin. It usually starts with generalized redness and tenderness, after which white pustules appear in flexural areas of skin (such as the backs of the knees or the inside of the elbows, armpits, or groin).
Other symptoms of Von Zomzusch psoriasis include fever, chills, dehydration, rapid heart rate, fatigue, weight loss, and muscle weakness. If left untreated, the disease can spread to the bloodstream and become fatal.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis can also cause:
If left untreated, erythrodermic psoriasis can be life-threatening, leading to severe infections (such assepsisor pneumonia) orcongestive heart failure.
Beyond its effect on the skin and nails, psoriasis maydirectly or indirectly affectother organ systems, most specifically the eyes and joints.
Eye Problems
Psoriasis can causeeye problems, as the scaling and dryness around the eyes can cause the eyelids to curl up unnaturally. This can lead to eye dryness, redness, itchiness, and blurring. The altered shape of the eyelid can also cause the eyelashes to scrape against the cornea (the fluid-filled layer at the front of the eye).
Psoriasis is also associated withuveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye), the symptoms of which include:
People with psoriasis are more likely to have recurrent bouts of uveitis than those without. This places them at greater risk of eye damage and vision loss, particularly in severe cases where psoriasis flares are frequent.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is different fromosteoarthritis(“wear-and-tear” arthritis) in that it can affect connective tissues as well as the joints themselves. Unlikerheumatoid arthritis, in which the same joints on both sides of the body are typically affected, psoriatic arthritis may develop symmetrically or asymmetrically, often in tandem with other skin and nail symptoms.
Psoriatic arthritis has been closely linked to cardiovascular disease. In fact, according to a2016 study from Ireland, heart attacks are the leading cause of death for people living with psoriatic arthritis today.
Psoriasis Doctor Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.Download PDFEmail AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
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You will know that is it time to see a dermatologist when:
Conditions That Mimic Psoriasis
12 Sources
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Harvard Health Publishing.A deeper look at psoriasis. Harvard Health.
Maruani A, Samimi M, Stembridge N, et al.Non-antistreptococcal interventions for acute guttate psoriasis or an acute guttate flare of chronic psoriasis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;4:CD011541. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011541.pub2
Khosravi H, Siegel MP, Van voorhees AS, Merola JF.Treatment of Inverse/Intertriginous Psoriasis: Updated Guidelines from the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation. J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(8):760-766.
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Singh RK, Lee KM, Ucmak D, et al.Erythrodermic psoriasis: pathophysiology and current treatment perspectives. Psoriasis (Auckl). 2016;6:93-104. doi:10.2147/PTT.S101232
Fraga NA, Oliveira Mde F, Follador I, Rocha Bde O, Rêgo VR.Psoriasis and uveitis: a literature review. An Bras Dermatol. 2012;87(6):877-83. doi:10.1590/S0365-05962012000600009
Psoriatic arthritis - Genetics Home Reference - NIH. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
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Haroon, M. and Fitzgerald O.Psoriatic arthritis: complexities, comorbidities, and implications for the clinic.Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2016 Jan;4:405-16. doi:10.1586/1744666X.2016.1139453Kim, W.; Jerome, D.; and Yeung, J.Diagnosis and Management of Psoriasis.Can Fam Phys.2017 Apr;63(4):278-85.National Psoriasis Foundation.Uveitis: A Threat to Eyesight. Portland, Oregon.
Haroon, M. and Fitzgerald O.Psoriatic arthritis: complexities, comorbidities, and implications for the clinic.Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2016 Jan;4:405-16. doi:10.1586/1744666X.2016.1139453
Kim, W.; Jerome, D.; and Yeung, J.Diagnosis and Management of Psoriasis.Can Fam Phys.2017 Apr;63(4):278-85.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Uveitis: A Threat to Eyesight. Portland, Oregon.
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