What Does Psoriasis Look Like?

Dry, scaly patches of skin? It could be psoriasis.

Psoriasis is more than just dry skin. Here’s what to look for (and how to tell it apart from other skin conditions like eczema).

What is psoriasis?

“Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes the formation of thick, scaly patches on the body,” says Timothy McKinley, MD, dermatologist at Geisinger. “It’s commonly found on the elbows, knees or scalp, but can occur nearly anywhere on your skin.”

Symptoms of psoriasis include:

Dry, cracked skin that can bleed
Painful, itching or burning skin
Spots of thick, raised skin called plaques
Scaly or flaky skin that comes off easily

Cases range from mild to serious, depending on factors such as redness and scale, as well as how much of your skin is impacted.

“Dermatologists will tend to be more aggressive with treatment if more than 10% to 15% of your skin’s surface is affected or if it involves certain high-risk sites like the face or groin,” Dr. McKinley says.

What causes psoriasis?

The reason for psoriasis isn’t well understood. However, several factors can play a role in developing the condition. These include:

Genetics

Psoriasis can run in the family. If a close relative has psoriasis, you have a greater risk of developing it.

Infections

Being sick can do more than make you feel bad. Having an infection like strep throat or a cold can trigger psoriasis in some people.

Weather

Cold temps can wreak havoc on your skin. You may find that your psoriasis worsens in the winter, due to the cold, dry air. And it may improve in the summer.

While proper sun protection is key, small “doses” of sunlight can actually be beneficial in managing psoriasis, says Dr. McKinley.

Skin injuries

Skin trauma, like cuts, bug bites or even tattoos can leave the affected area vulnerable to psoriasis flareups.

Other psoriasis triggers include:

Stress
Taking certain medications
Excessive alcohol use
Allergic reactions
Vitamin deficiencies
Smoking

You may also find that certain types of food, like those with gluten or dairy, cause your psoriasis to worsen. And because plaques can appear in areas where your skin folds, excess weight may also increase the risk and severity of a flareup.

Types of psoriasis

Common types of psoriasis include:

Plaque psoriasis

The most common type of psoriasis. This type appears as raised, red skin patches covered with silvery scales.

Inverse psoriasis

This type of psoriasis causes smooth red blotches on the back of the knee, in the armpit or in the groin area.

Pustular psoriasis

This type causes patches of red skin that surround white bumps of noninfectious pus.

Guttate psoriasis

This is the second most common type of psoriasis. “Guttate psoriasis affects younger people and is typically triggered by an infection, such as strep throat,” Dr. McKinley says. It usually appears as smaller red and scaly bumps.

Erythrodermic psoriasis

This rare type of psoriasis turns most of the skin red and happens when plaque psoriasis becomes unstable.

Finding the right treatment

Psoriasis can be different for everyone. That’s why finding the best possible psoriasis treatment matters. Depending on the type and severity, your healthcare provider may recommend one or more of these treatments:

Steroids

Your provider may suggest a topical corticosteroid to lessen inflammation and reduce discomfort. They’re available by prescription or over the counter. Find them in different forms, like:

Cream
Foam
Shampoo

Medications

Your provider may also prescribe nonsteroidal creams such as:

Retinoids
Vitamin D cream

For more severe psoriasis, your provider may recommend systemic therapies. These include:

Light therapy
Pills that decrease inflammation in skin and joints
Injected medications

Protect your skin

It may take time to find the right treatment. Your healthcare provider will work with you to build a treatment plan that helps control flareups and helps you have your clearest skin ever.