Psoriasis: Symptoms

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

Symptoms of psoriasis can differ in severity, frequency and duration among individuals. Symptoms can occur at any age. If you have psoriasis, your symptoms may be minimal and include infrequent outbreaks, or you may experience more frequent breakouts on larger areas of skin.

Outbreaks of psoriasis include patches of raised areas of itchy, red or pink thickened skin and lesions that are covered with whitish scales. Scratching the area affected by psoriasis generally does not relieve the itching and can lead to increased inflammation, more intense itching, and harder scratching.

Symptoms of psoriasis most often affect the:

• Elbows

• Knees

• Lower back

• Scalp

• Soles of the feet

Psoriasis can also affect the:

• Area round the genitalia

• Areas under the breasts

• Armpits

• Feet

• Hands

Psoriasis can also affect the nails and can result in:

• Nail separation from the skin

• Pitting of the nails

• Thickening of the nails

Symptoms that might indicate a serious condition

In some cases, scratching of the psoriasis lesions can lead to potentially serious complications, such as a secondary bacterial or fungal infection and cellulitis. Other complications include psoriatic arthritis. Seek prompt medical care if you have any of these symptoms:

• High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

• Joint pain, stiffness, warmth, or swelling

• Open sores or lesions

• Redness, swelling and warmth of the skin surrounding the psoriasis rash