5 Common Symptoms of Psoriasis

There are basic signs and symptoms to look for if you are concerned that dry skin or a flakey scalp may be psoriasis. The best diagnosis will come from a doctor, but here are some of the most common symptoms of psoriasis.

Symptoms vary depending on the type of psoriasis you have. The most common type is plaque psoriasis, symptoms include:

• Patches of red, inflamed skin, often covered with scaly silver-colored loose skin. These "plaques" may be painful and itchy, or sometimes even crack and bleed if scratched or picked at.


• Itching, particularly during sudden flare-ups. This is most often noticeable in skin folds, such as under the breasts or buttocks.


• Appearance of similar plaques in the same area on both sides of the body (for example, both knees or both elbows).


• Discoloration and pitting of the finger and toe nails. Nails may become brittle or detach from the nail bed, although this should not be confused with a fungal nail infection which may look similar in appearance.


• Thick crusted plaques on the scalp, more severe than simply an itchy dry scalp.

Two other types of psoriasis, though less common, are guttate psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms for these types of psoriasis include.

• Flare-ups of raindrop-shaped patches (guttate psoriasis). This condition most often appears following a strep infection and is the second most common type of psoriasis. It affects less than 10% of those with psoriasis.


• Joint swelling, tenderness, and pain is associated with psoriatic arthritis. According to The National Psoriasis Foundation between 10% and 30% of people with psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis.

Another interesting symptom, typical of psoriasis, is called Koebner's phenomenon. It can occur when a person with psoriasis has an injury such as a cut, burn, or excess sun exposure. Red scaly patches may begin to appear on the injured skin from several days to about 2 weeks after the injury.

Conditions that Mimic Symptoms of Psoriasis

There are several other conditions that can mimic the symptoms of psoriasis, including:

• Allergic reactions of the skin, such as eczema.


• Fungal and bacterial infections.


• Intertrigo is an inflammation of the skin caused by friction in folds of skin or places where skin touches skin, such as between the buttocks.


• Lichen planus is an uncommon, recurrent skin condition that causes itchy, shiny reddish purple spots on the skin, gray-white spots in the mouth, glassy bright red spots on the genitals, and small patchy areas of hair loss.


• Lupus is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system attacks healthy body tissues as though they were foreign substances. The attacks cause inflammation and tissue damage throughout the body. Symptoms include joint pain, fatigue, skin rashes, and fever.


• Skin cancer.

In addition, some medication can cause reactions with symptoms similar to psoriasis. Talk to your doctor about what medications you are taking.

Call Your Doctor If:

Your skin inflammation does not respond to over-the-counter types of treatment; you need to be checked to see if more aggressive prescription topical and/or systemic therapy is needed.