Common skin conditions

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that often appears as reddish eruptions, forming small bumps or thick, rough plaques. It can also cause intense itching.

Psoriasis can flare up unexpectedly. Some people experience just one or two isolated outbreaks, while others may live with more extensive forms that can affect their social life. Regardless of severity, recognizing the symptoms early helps to manage the condition effectively.

Types of psoriasis: symptoms and common areas

Psoriasis can surface in many ways. Each type has distinct features, so let’s explore the different forms of this skin condition.

Plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis symptoms

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type. It’s characterized by red, scaly patches covered with silvery flakes. Symptoms typically come in episodes, followed by remission periods when they may disappear completely for months or even years.

Common areas:

  • Elbows
  • Knees
  • Scalp (scalp psoriasis)
  • Torso

Though usually found in these areas, plaque psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body.

Guttate psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis symptoms

This type appears as small, red, drop-shaped spots. Itching is common, and it often develops after an infection like strep throat. Typically, guttate psoriasis clears up on its own after a few weeks or months.

Common areas:

  • Torso
  • Arms
  • Legs

Pustular psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis symptoms

Characterized by white pustules surrounded by red, inflamed skin. Although they look infectious, they’re not contagious. After a few days, the pustules dry up, leaving crusts or scales. This type can have active and remission phases.

Common areas:

  • Soles of the feet
  • Palms of the hands
  • Fingers

Inverse psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis symptoms

This form affects skin folds like the armpits and groin. It appears as red, shiny, well-defined patches. Because of the moisture in these areas, the skin doesn’t peel like with other forms, but it may crack and become painful.

Common areas:

  • Underarms
  • Beneath the breasts
  • Groin area
  • Between the buttocks
  • Around the genitals (genital psoriasis)

Arthritic psoriasis

Arthritic psoriasis symptoms

Psoriatic arthritis affects 5%–30% of people with psoriasis. It causes joint pain, swelling and morning stiffness, usually developing years after skin symptoms appear. Risk factors include extensive skin involvement, prolonged flares or nail psoriasis.

Erythrodermic psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis symptoms

This rare but serious type of psoriasis causes widespread redness over much of the body, intense itching, burning, swelling, and peeling skin. Additional symptoms can include fever, chills, rapid heart rate, joint pain or swollen lymph nodes. Immediate medical attention is needed.

Common areas:

  • More than 80% of the body surface

Genital psoriasis

Genital psoriasis symptoms

This form affects sensitive intimate areas and can be very uncomfortable. Irritation from sweat, tight clothing or harsh soaps can worsen symptoms. Itching is frequent, with visible red patches, though scaling is less pronounced here.

Common areas:

  • Women – vulva edges (red or grey plaques)
  • Men – scrotum, penis and glans of the penis

Scalp psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis symptoms

Scalp psoriasis shows up as thick, red patches covered with silver-white scales that resemble dandruff. Symptoms include severe itching and heavy flaking. While hair loss is rare, it can happen from excessive scratching or brushing.

Common areas:

  • Localized or widespread across the scalp

Nail psoriasis

Nail psoriasis symptoms

​​Look for pitting (small holes), brittleness or detachment of the nail from the finger. Other signs include white spots, yellowish “oil drop” marks, and red lines from small blood vessels beneath the nail.

What causes psoriasis?

While the exact causes are unknown, three main triggers are often associated with psoriasis:

  • Genetics (40% of cases)
  • Physical or emotional stress
  • Immune system response

In psoriasis, the immune system triggers skin inflammation and speeds up skin cell production — cells renew every 3–5 days instead of the usual 28–30 days, leading to the buildup of thick, scaly plaques.

Common triggers include:

  • Respiratory infections
  • Skin injuries (cuts, burns, sunburns)
  • Stress
  • Cold, dry weather
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol
  • Obesity
  • Certain medications

Psoriasis treatment options

While there’s no cure for psoriasis, treatments can help reduce symptoms. Most cases are managed with topical creams and ointments to hydrate the skin and relieve itching. Your pharmacist can recommend the best psoriasis treatment options.

Topical treatments include:

Corticosteroids – Anti-inflammatory creams to reduce redness and swelling.

Vitamin D analogues (like calcipotriol) – To slow skin cell growth.

Topical retinoids – Vitamin A derivatives that help normalize skin cell turnover.

Calcineurin inhibitors – Ideal for sensitive areas (face, folds), they help regulate immune response.

Anthralin – Slows cell growth but may irritate surrounding skin.

Coal tar – A traditional remedy used in shampoos for scalp psoriasis to reduce inflammation and itching.

What to do when psoriasis symptoms become more severe

In cases where psoriasis affects large areas of the body or when flare-ups are frequent, doctors may recommend phototherapy. This treatment involves exposing the skin to natural or artificial UV light to help slow the rapid growth of skin cells. Ongoing medical supervision is essential.

For more severe psoriasis, doctors may also prescribe oral medication, infusions, or injections as part of a targeted psoriasis treatment plan.

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice and pharmacist-owners affiliated with Accès pharma cannot be held responsible for this information. The information was true and accurate at the time of publication, but it is subject to change.

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