What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
There are 5 main types of psoriasis, which have slightly different symptoms and can appear on different parts of your body. The main symptoms of psoriasis are dry, red patches of skin covered in silvery scales. The affected areas may also feel itchy or sore. Psoriasis usually comes and goes. When symptoms suddenly become worse, this is called a flare up.
What are the early signs of psoriasis?
If you have psoriasis, you may notice red patches of skin that do not go away and become itchy or inflamed. You will start to notice silver scales forming. If you have any early signs of psoriasis, see your GP.
What does psoriasis look like?
Each type of psoriasis can look slightly different but it usually causes red patches of skin. The affected areas will look dry and you may get silver coloured scales on your skin. If you have pustular psoriasis, you will get blisters on your skin that are filled with pus. Sometimes psoriasis can cause your skin to crack and bleed. Psoriasis can also affect your hands and feet. It can start after a sore throat and cause teardrop shaped red patches anywhere on your body. A much rarer type of psoriasis that would need treatment in a hospital causes large areas of skin on your body to become red and inflamed.
What does psoriasis feel like?
Psoriasis feels different for everyone and you may not feel anything at all. Some patients find that psoriasis itches and is uncomfortable or sore.
Does psoriasis only affect your scalp?
No, psoriasis is most common on the scalp, elbows, lower back, and knees or behind your ears or between your buttocks. These are the main areas that plaque psoriasis forms, which affects about 90% of all psoriasis patients. However, it can affect any area of your body including your nails and joints, but this is less common.
How long does a psoriasis flare up last?
Psoriasis flare ups can last from a few days to a few weeks. If you get a flare up, prescription treatments such as Dovonex cream can help with symptoms and lessen the time of your flare up. Which treatment is best for you will depend on the type of psoriasis you suffer with and whether you have any other medical conditions or take any other medications.
What types of psoriasis are there?
There are 5 main types of psoriasis which are:
Plaque psoriasis
The most common type of psoriasis, this commonly affects your scalp, elbows, lower back, and knees. The main symptoms are red patches of skin with silver scales. These patches can become sore, itchy, and in severe cases, cause your skin to crack and bleed.
Guttate psoriasis
This type of psoriasis is more common in childhood and sometimes happens after a throat infection caused by a type of bacteria called streptococcus or “strep”. It causes small (1cm) sores on your scalp, arms, chest, and legs. Guttate psoriasis often goes away after a few weeks but it can develop into plaque psoriasis.
Pustular psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis is a rare type of psoriasis that causes blisters on your skin that are filled with pus, which can look white or yellowish. There are different types of pustular psoriasis that affect different parts of your body, such as the palms of your hands, soles of your feet, or your fingers and toes.
Flexural psoriasis
This type of psoriasis affects the natural creases or folds in your skin and can be found in areas such as your groin, buttocks, under your breasts, and armpits. It causes red, smooth patches. Flexural psoriasis usually flares up when you are sweating, causing itching and discomfort.
Erythrodermic psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis is another rare form of psoriasis and can affect your whole body. It can cause intense burning or itching. It is important you see your doctor straight away if you think you have erythrodermic psoriasis, as it can cause other problems such as heart failure, dehydration, and hypothermia (a dangerous drop in body temperature).
Psoriasis complications
Psoriasis can sometimes cause complications, which is why it is important to get treatment and a proper diagnosis. Psoriasis can cause skin to become cracked or broken, leading to skin infections. It can also cause confidence and self-esteem issues as it affects the appearance of your skin. Some patients get pain, swelling, or tenderness around their joints, which is called psoriatic arthritis.