Symptoms of Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis, the most common kind, usually appears as patches of red, raised, scaly areas on the skin that may itch or burn. These patches are usually found on the knees, elbows, trunk, or scalp. Approximately 90 percent of people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis.

Plaque psoriasis symptoms can last for weeks or months.

If the psoriasis symptoms go away for a time and then return, it is known as chronic psoriasis.

Skin in the areas affected by psoriasis, especially if it's over joints or on the palms or feet, can split and bleed. Psoriasis plaques sometimes have an area around them that looks like a halo or ring.

The color of the skin which is affected by psoriasis is rich, full red color and/or salmon colored. Sometimes the skin can have a blue tint when the psoriasis is on the legs.

The scales are dry, thin, and silvery-white. Thickness of the scales may vary. If a scale is removed, the skin beneath it looks smooth, red, and glossy. Shiny skin usually has small areas that bleed.

Symptoms of psoriatic plaques tend to appear symmetrically, that is, on both sides of the body in the same places.

Psoriasis causes the scalp to have dry, scaly skin or crusted plaque areas. Sometimes psoriasis of the scalp is confused with seborrheic dermatitis, which is also known as cradle cap. In seborrheic psoriasis, the scales don't look dry, but instead have a somewhat greasy appearance.

Another symptom of plaque psoriasis is sometimes seen in the nails. Small indentations, ridges, or pits appear. The nails may be discolored or they may separate from the nail bed.

Sometimes, the skin is red and looks like it has little drops or droplets on it. This may be a symptom of guttate psoriasis.

Sometimes, the patches of dry, scaly skin can crack and pus will appear on top of them. This may be a symptom of pustular psoriasis.

Psoriasis symptoms look slightly different in children than in adults. In children, the plaques are less thick, and the affected skin is less scaly. Psoriasis symptoms sometimes show up in the diaper region in infants, and in flexural areas in children.

Even though the most common areas of the body affected by psoriasis symptoms are the arms, leg, back, and scalp, psoriasis symptoms can be found on any body part.