Symptoms of psoriasis

Psoriasis often comes in cycles, with flares and quieter times.

Common skin signs

• Raised, red or pink patches covered with silvery-white scales (plaques)
• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
• Itching, burning or soreness
• Patches on elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, but any area can be involved
• On darker skin, patches may look purple, brown or grey rather than red

Other areas

• Scalp: flaky, scaly patches that can look like severe dandruff
• Nails: pitting, thickening, discolouration and lifting of the nail
• Skin folds: smooth, red patches under breasts, in the groin or armpits
• Palms and soles: thick, scaly or pustular patches
• Small drop-like spots after a throat infection

Joint symptoms: see a doctor soon

Pain, stiffness or swelling in joints, swollen fingers or toes, or heel pain may be psoriatic arthritis. It can cause lasting joint damage if untreated, so early treatment matters.

Signs needing urgent care

• Widespread, intensely red, peeling skin over most of the body, with fever, chills and feeling very unwell (erythrodermic psoriasis)
• Widespread pustules with fever (pustular psoriasis)
• Signs of infection in broken skin

Seek urgent medical care, or call 112 or 102 if very unwell.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive)

Dry scaly skin and itching are described traditionally as Vata and Kapha features. This does not replace a dermatologist's diagnosis.

When to get help

See a doctor if patches are spreading, painful or affect sleep, work or confidence.

Remember

Psoriasis is common, not contagious and can be controlled. Joint pain with psoriasis needs early care.