Psoriasis
A chronic immune-related condition that often shows on the skin as scaly patches and may be linked with joint pain.
If pain is sudden or severe, or comes with trouble breathing, chest pain or sudden weakness, seek emergency care immediately.
Common symptoms and how they vary
Raised, scaly patches of skin that look red or pink on lighter skin and darker or purple on darker skin, often on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back.
Itching or soreness in the patches, and nail changes such as pitting or thickening.
Symptoms come and go, and some people develop psoriatic arthritis, with joint pain and stiffness.
Causes and risk factors
An immune-related condition that speeds up the renewal of skin cells, which build up on the surface. It is not contagious.
Genes play a part. Common triggers include stress, skin injuries, some infections such as a sore throat, some medicines, smoking, alcohol and cold, dry weather.
How it is usually diagnosed
A doctor or dermatologist usually diagnoses it by looking at the skin, nails and scalp.
Occasionally a small skin sample is taken, and your doctor will ask about any joint pain.
Treatment categories in general terms
Treatment steps up with severity.
Categories include moisturisers, steroid creams and vitamin D-like creams, light therapy, tablets or injections that work on the whole body, and biologic and targeted therapies for moderate to severe psoriasis.
Living with the condition
Moisturise every day and avoid the triggers you notice.
Do not pick the scales, look after your mental health, and cut down on smoking and alcohol.
Tell your doctor if you have joint pain or swelling.
Common questions
Is psoriasis contagious?
No, it does not spread by touch or contact.
Can psoriasis be cured?
There is no cure yet, but treatments can greatly improve or clear the patches for long periods.
Questions you could ask your doctor
- Could my joint pain be linked to psoriasis?
- What daily skin care suits me?
- What might trigger my symptoms?
Tools and resources
Trusted sources for further reading
General education in line with the patient pages of these sources.