Psoriasis

• Psoriasis is a skin condition caused by an overly active immune system 
• Psoriasis symptoms are mainly related to the skin, with the appearance of patches of red, dark, or discolored skin covered with a silvery-white coating or scales, which can be painful and itchy 
• Psoriasis treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms and improving your quality of life

Psoriasis is a condition that affects the skin. The cause of the overactive immune response and increased skin cell growth in psoriasis is not fully understood. There appears to be a genetic component, as it often runs in families, and it can be triggered by various factors such as stress, physical injury, or the use of certain medications. Knowing your triggers and using the right type of medication can help you relieve your symptoms. In this guide by Ada’s medical team, you’ll find more information on psoriasis, its symptoms, treatments, and possible complications. 

Psoriasis is a long-lasting skin condition that causes skin cells to become overactive. When the skin cells multiply too quickly, patches of scaly and inflamed skin can appear. These patches can become itchy or painful. Psoriasis can appear at any age, although it’s more common to develop psoriasis in your twenties. Both men and women can be affected by the condition. The condition affects about 2-3% of the world population and is more common in Northern European countries. 1 2

Different psoriasis types exist. Depending on which form of psoriasis you’re affected by, your symptoms may look differently: 1

• Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis and can look like red or discolored (sometimes they are even darker, it really depends on the skin color) These patches can appear anywhere, but especially on the elbows and knees. 
• Guttate psoriasis mostly affects children and young adults after a strep throat, and is characterized by small, red dots on the torso or the limbs. 
• Pustular psoriasis mostly affects the hands and feet and is characterized by bumps that are filled with pus. There is usually an area of red skin surrounding these bumps. 
• Inverse psoriasis causes smooth patches of red or dark (purple or brown) skin in body folds. 
• Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare form of severe psoriasis that can affect the entire skin. 

Psoriasis can easily be mistaken for eczema. There are however differences that can help distinguish both conditions: 3 4 5

If you’re experiencing any symptoms that may be signs of psoriasis or eczema, then it is recommended to contact your healthcare provider to receive the appropriate treatment.

Psoriasis symptoms are usually limited to the skin, although other symptoms are possible as well: 1 2

• Patches of thick, well-defined skin that may appear red, dark, or discolored, often with silvery-white scales on top. These typically develop on the outer parts of the elbows and knees, scalp, palms, soles of the feet, lower back, ears, mouth, eyelids, buttocks, or nails. 
• A burning rash 
• Dry, cracked skin that bleeds
• Thick pitted nails
• Affected sleep 

The symptoms of psoriasis can vary and can range from mild to severe. 

The cause of psoriasis is an overactive immune system which affects the skin cells and causes them to become overly active. Due to the fast multiplication of skin cells, certain areas of the skin start appearing thick, scaly, and inflamed. The reason why the immune system is overly active in people with psoriasis is still being studied. Scientists believe that this may be due to genetics and some other factors such as: 1 2 5

• HIV infections
• Streptococcal infections
• The use of medications such as beta-blockers, or anti-malaria medication
• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Stress
• Obesity  
• Skin injury

Psoriasis is not contagious, so you can’t get the condition from somebody else. 

Psoriasis is a life-long condition, although the symptoms can come and go. This means that it is important to avoid what triggers psoriasis in your case. 2

Your GP or dermatologist can diagnose psoriasis based on the symptoms you’re experiencing and the appearance of your skin. In some cases, a small piece of your skin may be collected to examine it under a microscope. 2

The treatment of psoriasis mainly focuses on relieving the symptoms of the condition, as a cure for psoriasis does not exist. Psoriasis treatment can include: 1 2

• Psoriasis creams such as vitamin D or topical corticosteroids are the most common type of treatment for mild psoriasis cases. 
• Phototherapy can be used when the creams don’t have the desired effect. This type of therapy exposes the skin to ultraviolet light. 
• Oral psoriasis medication can be provided in more severe cases.
• In severe cases, treatment may include a combination of oral medication and injectable drugs (injectables).

Learn more about how to care for skin with psoriasis on this page.

In some cases, psoriasis causes a condition called psoriatic arthritis. This happens when psoriasis also affects the joints, causing them to be swollen, stiff, and painful. 

Other conditions have also been linked to psoriasis. These include: 2 5

• Cardiovascular disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Sleep disorders
• Kidney disease
• Metabolic syndrome
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Mental health issues and low self-esteem

Psoriasis is a common condition affecting the skin. It can cause itchy patches of inflamed skin with silvery-white flakes on top. Receiving the correct diagnosis is important to know which triggers to avoid and which treatment options may be possible. Although there is no cure for psoriasis, treatment does exist in order to relieve your symptoms and to improve your quality of life. 

Q: What does psoriasis look like? 
A:  Psoriasis causes patches of thick, well-defined skin that may appear red, dark, or discolored, often with silvery-white scales on top. These typically develop on the outer parts of the elbows and knees, scalp, palms, soles of the feet, lower back, ears, mouth, eyelids, buttocks, or nails. 

Q: When does psoriasis start? 
A: Psoriasis can appear at any age, although it is more common to develop psoriasis in your twenties. 

Q: What is the biggest trigger for psoriasis? 
A: A variety of factors can trigger psoriasis, including streptococcal infections, HIV infections, certain medications, smoking, alcohol, stress, obesity, and skin injury. 

Q: What is the best medicine for psoriasis? 
A: Creams with vitamin D and topical corticosteroids can help relieve your symptoms and improve your skin appearance. In severe cases, other treatment options are also available, such as phototherapy, medications, or injections.