Q. What are the common symptoms of psoriasis?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Psoriasis can manifest with a variety of symptoms, and the severity and location of these symptoms can vary from person to person. The most common symptoms of psoriasis include:
1. Red Patches: Raised, inflamed, and often red patches of skin are a hallmark symptom of psoriasis. These patches are covered with silvery-white scales, which can be thick or thin.
2. Itching: Psoriasis patches can be itchy, and the itching can range from mild to severe, leading to discomfort and the urge to scratch the affected areas.
3. Scaling: The plaques often have a scaly appearance. The scales are made up of dead skin cells that build up on the skin's surface.
4. Dry Skin: Psoriasis can lead to dry and cracked skin, especially in and around the affected patches.
5. Bleeding: In more severe cases or when scales are scraped or picked at, the skin underneath may become damaged and bleed.
6. Inflammation: Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition, so affected areas may appear swollen and puffy.
7. Thickened Nails: Psoriasis can affect the fingernails and toenails, leading to changes in their appearance. Nails may become pitted, discolored, or even separate from the nail bed.
8. Joint Pain: In some cases, psoriasis can lead to a condition called psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
9. Pain or Discomfort: Depending on the location and severity of psoriasis, affected individuals may experience pain or discomfort, especially if the skin becomes cracked and inflamed.
Psoriasis can appear on various parts of the body, including the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, and nails. It can also affect the face, palms, and soles of the feet. The severity of psoriasis can range from mild, where it only affects a few small areas, to severe, where it covers a significant portion of the body. Treatment options are available to help manage these symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with psoriasis. If you suspect you have psoriasis or experience these symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.