WeArePsoriasis.org - The Social Support Network for People Living with Psoriasis

An individual with plaque psoriasis usually has patches of red, raised, scaly areas on the skin that may itch or burn. The patches are usually found on the knees, elbows, trunk, or scalp. Approximately 9 out of 10 people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis. The flare-ups can last for weeks or months. The psoriasis goes away for a time and then returns (chronic).  General characteristics of the scaly skin of the most common type of psoriasis are as follows: Plaques: The plaque areas on the skin are elevated. The plaque areas vary in size (1 to several centimeters) and may range from a...

Scalp psoriasis may occur in isolation or with any other form of psoriasis. The back of the head is a common site but multiple discrete areas of the scalp or the whole scalp may be affected. Scalp psoriasis is characterised by thick silvery white scale on patches of very red skin. It may extend slightly beyond the hairline. Scalp psoriasis, even though often adequately camouflaged by the hair, is often a source of social embarrassment due to flaking of the scale and severe 'dandruff'. Scalp psoriasis may not cause any symptoms at all or may be extremely itchy. It tends...

Inverse psoriasis occurs in the folds of the skin (under the breasts, in the armpits, under the buttocks, near the genitals, or in the folds of the abdomen) in areas which are likely to rub together and sweat. Because the flexion creases, or skin folds are affected, this type of psoriasis occurs more often and more severely in overweight individuals. 1. Symptoms of Inverse Psoriasis Contrary to most common type of psoriasis (plaque psoriasis), inverse psoriasis does is not characterized by scaling. Inverse psoriases, instead, is characterized by inflamed, bright red yet smooth patches of skin that may be painful and itchy....

Nail Psoriasis SymptomsUsually, if psoriasis affects your nails, you have skin symptoms, too. If you have psoriasis of the nails but do not have skin symptoms, the condition may be difficult for your doctor to diagnose. Inform your doctor if you have a family history of psoriasis.Your nail area is made up of a nail plate, nail bed, hyponychium, nail matrix, nail folds, cuticle, anchoring portion, and ends of the finger bones. You can see each of these structures in Images 1-2. If you have psoriasis of the nails, you might notice the following signs:     * Clear yellow-red nail...

Psoriatic Arthritis is a particular type of arthritis that occurs in some patients who have psoriasis, which is a chronic skin condition. It resembles rheumatoid arthritis in its effects, though the majority of people experience a mild form. Psoriatic Arthritis symptoms include both the skin disorder and joint conditions, and can cause Psoriatic arthritis symptoms as well. There is no cure for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, but there are many treatments available to alleviate the symptoms. It is a chronic disease, however, and if untreated can cause more serious health problems.The symptoms of the most common form of psoriatic arthritis...