--- title: "Psoriasis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment | infoMD" description: "Psoriasis causes red, raised patches with silvery scales. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and how to manage psoriasis with guidance from med" lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "MedicalCondition", "name": "Psoriasis", "alternateName": [ "Plaque Psoriasis", "Psoriasis Vulgaris" ], "description": "Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells, causing them to build up rapidly on the surface. This results in thick, red, scaly patches that can be itchy, painful, and emotionally distressing. It is not contagious.", "associatedAnatomy": { "@type": "AnatomicalSystem", "name": "Skin" }, "signOrSymptom": [ { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Red, raised patches with silvery scales" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Dry, cracked skin that may bleed" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Itching or burning sensation" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Thickened or pitted nails" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Stiff and swollen joints" } ], "possibleTreatment": [ { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Daily moisturizing to prevent dry, cracking skin" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Short, lukewarm showers or baths with gentle, fragrance-free cleansers" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Moderate sun exposure (UV light can improve psoriasis, but avoid sunburn)" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Stress management through relaxation techniques" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Maintaining a healthy weight" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Avoiding known personal triggers" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Topical corticosteroids - the most commonly prescribed first-line treatment" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Vitamin D analogues (calcipotriene/calcipotriol)" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Topical retinoids (tazarotene)" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) for sensitive areas" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Methotrexate for moderate to severe psoriasis" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Cyclosporine for short-term use in severe cases" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Biologic medications (TNF inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, IL-23 inhibitors) for moderate to severe psoriasis" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Apremilast (Otezla) - an oral PDE4 inhibitor" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Phototherapy - controlled UVB light treatment" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "PUVA (psoralen plus UVA) photochemotherapy" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Excimer laser for targeted UV treatment of specific plaques" } ], "riskFactor": [ { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Family history of psoriasis" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Smoking (both a risk factor and worsening factor)" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Obesity" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Stress (a major trigger for flares)" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Infections (especially streptococcal throat infections)" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Certain medications (lithium, beta-blockers, antimalarials)" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Skin injuries (Koebner phenomenon - psoriasis appearing at injury sites)" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Heavy alcohol consumption" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "HIV infection" } ], "typicalTest": "Physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is psoriasis contagious?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. Psoriasis is not contagious. You absolutely cannot catch psoriasis from touching someone who has it, sharing towels or clothing, swimming in the same pool, or any other form of contact. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition caused by an overactive immune system and genetic factors." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can psoriasis be cured?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "There is currently no cure for psoriasis. However, modern treatments - particularly biologic medications - can achieve near-complete or complete clearance of skin symptoms for many patients. Treatment goals have shifted from managing symptoms to achieving clear or almost-clear skin. Many people experience long periods of remission with proper treatment." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does diet affect psoriasis?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "While no specific diet cures psoriasis, research suggests that an anti-inflammatory diet may help reduce symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish), fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may be beneficial. Some people find that gluten elimination helps, though evidence is strongest for those who also have celiac disease. Maintaining a healthy weight is important, as obesity worsens psoriasis." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can stress cause psoriasis flares?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Stress is one of the most commonly reported triggers for psoriasis flares. The relationship is bidirectional - psoriasis causes stress, and stress worsens psoriasis. Stress management techniques like mindfulness meditation, exercise, therapy, and adequate sleep can help break this cycle and reduce flare frequency." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is psoriatic arthritis?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis that develops in about 30% of people with psoriasis. It causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, and can lead to permanent joint damage if not treated. It most commonly appears 5-10 years after psoriasis skin symptoms begin. Early treatment with DMARDs or biologics can prevent joint damage." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://infomd.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Conditions", "item": "https://infomd.com/conditions" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Skin", "item": "https://infomd.com/conditions/body-system/skin" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Psoriasis", "item": "https://infomd.com/conditions/psoriasis" } ] } ] --- [Skip to main content](#main-content) [![infoMD](/assets/infomd-logo-CtvTblFD.png)](/) [Home](/) [Conditions](/conditions) [Glossary](/glossary)[Shop](/shop) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Conditions](/conditions) 3. [Skin](/conditions/body-system/skin) 4. Psoriasis Skin [Skin Health](/topics/skin-health) # Psoriasis Also known as: Plaque Psoriasis, Psoriasis Vulgaris infoMD Editorial Team March 1, 2025 8 min read Share: [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Finfomd.com%2Fconditions%2Fpsoriasis)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Finfomd.com%2Fconditions%2Fpsoriasis&text=Psoriasis) ### Quick Facts Type Chronic Affects Adults of all ages, with most cases appearing between 15 and 35; affects men and women equally Prevalence Affects approximately 7.5 million American adults Treatable Manageable with topical treatments, phototherapy, and biologic medications See a Specialist Dermatologist ICD-10 Code L40 ## Overview Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells, causing them to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. These extra skin cells form thick, silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that can be painful and sometimes crack and bleed. Psoriasis is not contagious - you cannot catch it from touching someone who has it. The most common form, plaque psoriasis, appears as raised, red patches covered with a silvery-white buildup of dead skin cells. These plaques most often show up on the scalp, knees, elbows, and lower back, but they can occur anywhere on the body. Psoriasis goes through cycles - flaring for weeks or months, then subsiding or going into complete remission. Psoriasis is more than a cosmetic concern. It is associated with an increased risk of psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, depression, and other conditions. Modern treatments have transformed psoriasis management - biologic medications can now achieve near-complete skin clearance for many patients. Working with a dermatologist to find the right treatment can dramatically improve both skin symptoms and overall quality of life. ## Symptoms Recognizing the symptoms of psoriasis early can lead to faster diagnosis and better outcomes. ### Early Symptoms - Red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales - Dry, cracked skin that may itch or bleed - Itching, burning, or soreness around affected areas - Thickened, pitted, or ridged fingernails and toenails - Small scaling spots (commonly seen in children) ### Advanced Symptoms - Large areas of skin involvement covering significant body surface - Psoriatic arthritis - joint pain, stiffness, and swelling - Severe nail changes including separation from the nail bed - Pustular psoriasis - white pustules surrounded by red skin - Erythrodermic psoriasis - widespread redness and shedding (rare, can be dangerous) - Significant emotional distress and social embarrassment ### Emergency Warning Signs - Erythrodermic psoriasis - sudden widespread redness covering most of the body with fever and chills - Severe pustular psoriasis with fever and systemic illness - Signs of serious skin infection in psoriasis plaques When to See a Doctor See a dermatologist if you develop persistent patches of red, scaly skin, if your skin condition is causing you pain or discomfort, if you're concerned about the appearance of your skin, or if you develop joint pain or swelling. Early treatment can prevent psoriasis from worsening and reduce the risk of complications. ## Causes & Risk Factors ### Common Causes - Immune system dysfunction - T cells mistakenly attack healthy skin cells - Genetic predisposition (about one-third of patients have a family history) - Environmental triggers that activate the immune response - Specific genetic markers (HLA-Cw6 is strongly associated with psoriasis) - Dysregulation of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-17, IL-23) ### Risk Factors - Family history of psoriasis - Smoking (both a risk factor and worsening factor) - Obesity - Stress (a major trigger for flares) - Infections (especially streptococcal throat infections) - Certain medications (lithium, beta-blockers, antimalarials) - Skin injuries (Koebner phenomenon - psoriasis appearing at injury sites) - Heavy alcohol consumption - HIV infection ## How It's Diagnosed Psoriasis is usually diagnosed by a dermatologist through visual examination of the skin, scalp, and nails. The characteristic appearance - well-defined red plaques with silvery-white scale - is often sufficient for diagnosis. Your doctor will also ask about family history, recent infections, medications, and stress levels. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and distinguish psoriasis from other skin conditions such as eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, or fungal infections. The biopsy shows characteristic findings including thickened epidermis, elongated rete ridges, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Blood tests are not needed to diagnose psoriasis but may be ordered to screen for associated conditions like psoriatic arthritis or metabolic syndrome. ## Treatment Options ### Lifestyle Changes - Daily moisturizing to prevent dry, cracking skin - Short, lukewarm showers or baths with gentle, fragrance-free cleansers - Moderate sun exposure (UV light can improve psoriasis, but avoid sunburn) - Stress management through relaxation techniques - Maintaining a healthy weight - Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol - Avoiding known personal triggers ### Medications - Topical corticosteroids - the most commonly prescribed first-line treatment - Vitamin D analogues (calcipotriene/calcipotriol) - Topical retinoids (tazarotene) - Calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) for sensitive areas - Methotrexate for moderate to severe psoriasis - Cyclosporine for short-term use in severe cases - Biologic medications (TNF inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, IL-23 inhibitors) for moderate to severe psoriasis - Apremilast (Otezla) - an oral PDE4 inhibitor ### Medical Procedures - Phototherapy - controlled UVB light treatment - PUVA (psoralen plus UVA) photochemotherapy - Excimer laser for targeted UV treatment of specific plaques ### Complementary Approaches - Dead Sea salt baths and balneotherapy - Aloe vera gel applied directly to plaques - Fish oil supplements (omega-3 fatty acids) for anti-inflammatory effects - Meditation and mindfulness for stress-related flares ## Living With Psoriasis Living with psoriasis involves both managing physical symptoms and addressing the emotional impact of a visible chronic skin condition. Developing a consistent skin care routine, working with your dermatologist to find the most effective treatment, and identifying your personal triggers are the foundations of good psoriasis management. Many people find that keeping a trigger diary helps them anticipate and prevent flares. The psychological impact of psoriasis should not be underestimated. Many people experience embarrassment, social anxiety, and depression related to their skin. It's important to know that you're not alone and that help is available. Support groups, counseling, and open conversations with trusted people can make a real difference. Modern treatments can achieve dramatic skin clearance - don't settle for ineffective treatment. If your current plan isn't working, talk to your dermatologist about other options. ## Potential Complications - Psoriatic arthritis (develops in about 30% of psoriasis patients) - Cardiovascular disease (increased risk of heart attack and stroke) - Metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes - Depression and anxiety - Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease) - Eye conditions including uveitis - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease - Social isolation and reduced quality of life ## Prevention - Manage stress effectively (stress is a major flare trigger) - Avoid skin injuries and sunburn (Koebner phenomenon) - Don't smoke and limit alcohol consumption - Maintain a healthy weight - Treat infections promptly (especially strep throat) - Moisturize skin regularly - Follow your treatment plan consistently ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is psoriasis contagious? ### Can psoriasis be cured? ### Does diet affect psoriasis? ### Can stress cause psoriasis flares? ### What is psoriatic arthritis? * * * ## Sources 1. Psoriasis. Mayo Clinic . 2. Psoriasis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases . 3. About Psoriasis. National Psoriasis Foundation . 4. Psoriasis. American Academy of Dermatology . Medical Disclaimer This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Reviewed By infoMD Editorial Team Last reviewed: March 24, 2025 In This Article [Overview](#overview)[Symptoms](#symptoms)[Causes & Risk Factors](#causes-risk-factors)[How It's Diagnosed](#how-it-s-diagnosed)[Treatment Options](#treatment-options)[Living With Psoriasis](#living-with-psoriasis)[Potential Complications](#potential-complications)[Prevention](#prevention)[Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions)[Sources](#sources) ### Quick Facts Type Chronic Affects Adults of all ages, with most cases appearing between 15 and 35; affects men and women equally Prevalence Affects approximately 7.5 million American adults Treatable Manageable with topical treatments, phototherapy, and biologic medications See a Specialist Dermatologist ICD-10 Code L40 Advertisement Was this page helpful? Yes No ## Related Conditions [ ### Eczema Skin Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes the skin to become red, itchy, dry, and cracked. 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