Psoriasis Causes, Symptoms, Triggers, and Treatment

Psoriasis is a condition that primarily affects the skin and causes patchy skin rashes, but there's a lot more to it than that. This complex condition can cause different symptoms, even affecting the nails and joints in some people.

This article provides information about what psoriasis is, the signs and symptoms, and much more.

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that affects more than 8 million people in the United States.¹ The condition causes the body to make new skin cells at a rapid rate. The buildup of these cells causes raised plaques and scaling on the skin that may be itchy and painful.²

There are different types of psoriasis, but up to 90 percent of people with the condition have what's known as plaque psoriasis.³ Approximately 1 in 3 people develop another type called psoriatic arthritis.²

Causes

Psoriasis is caused by the immune system overreacting and causing inflammation that leads to the rapid production of skin cells.

Genetics appear to play a role as psoriasis tends to run in families.²

Triggers

Psoriasis flares can be triggered by many things and these triggers vary from person to person.

Triggers include:

• Skin injury
• Stress
• Excessive alcohol use
• Smoking
• Dry, cold weather
• Too much sun exposure
• Certain medications, such as beta blockers and corticosteroids
• Shaving
• Tattoos and piercings⁵

What Does Psoriasis Look Like?

Plaque psoriasis causes thick patches of skin with scales. The color can vary depending on your skin tone.

On white skin, psoriasis can be pink or red, often with silvery-white scales. On Hispanic skin, psoriasis tends to be salmon-colored with silvery-white scales. On brown skin, psoriasis can be dark brown. On Black skin, psoriasis tends to look violet with gray scales.⁴

The patches can vary in number and range in size from small to large. While psoriasis can affect any part of the body, it often forms on the scalp, elbows, knees, or lower back.²

Different Types of Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis.¹ Plaque psoriasis symptoms include:⁶

• Patches (plaques) of thick, raised skin with scaling
• Plaques of varying size
• Small plaques that join together and form larger plaques
• Itching

However, there are several other types of psoriasis. Here is a brief overview of each:

Psoriatic arthritis

This type of inflammatory arthritis impacts the joints and affects 1 in 3 people with psoriasis. It often begins 10 years after developing arthritis, but can develop first or without preexisting psoriasis. It can start at any age, but commonly appears between the ages of 30 and 50.² Psoriatic arthritis symptoms include:⁶

• A swollen, tender joint
• Joint stiffness, especially in the mornings
• Heel pain
• Swelling just above the heel

Pustular psoriasis

This painful type of psoriasis causes pus-filled bumps to form on the hands and feet.⁶ Pustular psoriasis symptoms include:⁶

• Red, swollen skin on the feet and hands covered with pus-filled bumps
• Extremely painful skin
• Brown dots that may scale as the bumps dry

Generalized pustular psoriasis

This is a rare and life-threatening form of pustular psoriasis that causes pus-filled bumps all over the body.⁶ Generalized pustular psoriasis symptoms include:⁶

• Dry, red, and painful skin over most of the body that develops suddenly.
• Pus-filled, oozing bumps that appear over most of the body within a day
• Skin that dries and peels off as the pus dries, usually within 24 to 48 hours
• Severe illness that may include fever and muscle weakness

Inverse psoriasis

This type of psoriasis develops in skinfolds and parts of the body where skin touches skin, such as the armpits, buttocks, and genitals.⁶ Inverse psoriasis symptoms include:⁶

• Smooth, red patches in skinfolds, such as the armpits and under the breasts
• Skin patches that look raw
• Painful skin

Guttate psoriasis

This type of psoriasis causes tiny pink bumps to appear suddenly, often covering most of the arms, torso, and legs. It tends to develop in children and young adults who've had an infection, such as strep throat.⁶ Guttate psoriasis symptoms include:⁶

• Sudden appearance of tiny, scaly bumps on the arms, torso, and legs
• Bumps may be pink or salmon in color
• Temporary clearing of symptoms within a few weeks or months without treatment

Scalp psoriasis

This type affects the scalp and may extend to the forehead, ears, or neck.⁶ Scalp psoriasis symptoms include:⁷

• Thin or thick, red patches of skin on the scalp that may extend to the forehead, ears, or neck
• Dandruff-like flaking
• Silvery scaling
• Itching
• Hair loss in areas where thick plaques develop

Nail psoriasis

Psoriasis can affect the fingernails and toenails in around half of people with plaque psoriasis.⁶ Nail psoriasis symptoms include:⁶

• Tiny dents in the nails
• Yellow or brown discoloration under nails
• Lifting or crumbling nails

Erythrodermic psoriasis

This is a serious, life-threatening type of psoriasis that requires immediate medical care. It usually develops in people who already have another type of psoriasis. It causes most of the body's skin to look burnt. ⁶ Erythrodermic psoriasis symptoms include:⁶

• Burnt appearance to the skin on most of the body
• Severe illness, including fever and chills
• Severe itching
• Muscle weakness
• Rapid pulse

Psoriasis and mental health

Along with the physical symptoms, people with psoriasis often experience psychological effects.⁸ Psoriasis can have a profound effect on mental health. Research shows that of people with psoriasis:

• 86% are embarrassed by the disease
• 81% suffer from depression
• 66% feel isolated or alone

Depression from living with psoriasis can lead to chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, and loss of interest. Treatment of the physical symptoms often leads to an improvement in mental health symptoms.⁹

Is Psoriasis Contagious?

No, psoriasis is not contagious. You cannot get it from touching other people, even if you touch the affected skin or patches.⁴

Diagnosing Psoriasis

Most doctors can usually diagnose psoriasis by examining your skin, scalp, and nails for signs of psoriasis. They will also ask about your symptoms and your medical and family history.¹⁰

Sometimes a biopsy may be needed to confirm a psoriasis diagnosis. This involves removing a bit of skin and examining it under a microscope.¹⁰

Psoriasis Treatments

Psoriasis is usually a life-long condition, but a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle changes can help you manage the condition.¹⁰

Treatment depends on the type of psoriasis and severity. Your dermatologist will work with you to come up with the best treatment plan.¹⁰

Treating psoriasis generally involves a combination of the following:¹¹

• Topical treatments, such as steroid creams, retinoid creams, and moisturizers
• Medicated lotions, shampoo, and bath products
• Medication
• Phototherapy

Things you can do to manage psoriasis:¹²

• Find and avoid your triggers
• Manage your stress levels
• Use psoriasis-friendly skin care

CareCredit Financing for Psoriasis Treatment

The CareCredit credit card can make it easier to pay for psoriasis treatment, including laser treatment, and other dermatology and cosmetic treatments and procedures.^*

Use the Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a provider or retailer near you that accepts CareCredit.

Author Bio

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a writer who has been covering health and lifestyle for almost two decades. She's written extensively on physical and mental health conditions and treatments, as well as fitness, beauty, and relationships. She's best known for her empathetic and informative pieces for Healthline, Insider, Medical News Today, and more.