What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a common skin condition that leads to patches of dry, scaly, itchy skin. It isn’t contagious, however, and can’t be spread from person to person.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
While psoriasis symptoms can vary for each person and depend on the specific type, most people with this condition have red, inflamed patches of skin covered in thick, whitish-silver scales. These patches of skin tend to itch and can also burn or feel sore. It’s common for the skin around the patches to feel dry, which can lead to cracking and bleeding. For some people with psoriatic arthritis, stiff, swollen joints can also be common.
Symptoms frequently go through cycles, however. You might experience noticeable symptoms for several days or weeks, which then subside for a period of time or even go into remission. Symptoms can appear on most areas of the body, including the scalp, face, hands, elbows, knees, and feet.
What are the different types of psoriasis?
While it’s possible to have more than one kind of psoriasis at the same time, the skin condition can be categorized in several different types:
Plaque: This is the most common type, which appears as raised patches of red, inflamed skin with silver scales. It typically affects the scalp, elbows, lower back, and knees.
Guttate: Often developing during childhood, this type is usually triggered by a bacterial infection. Small, red, raised bumps develop on the scalp, torso, arms, or legs.
Inverse: Usually triggered by a fungal infection, this type appears as smooth patches of red, inflamed skin that has no scales. It usually affects parts of the body where the skin folds, such as under the breasts, armpits, and genitals.
Pustular: This psoriasis type causes pus-filled, painful blisters to appear, and the surrounding skin looks red and inflamed. The pustules can become widespread and affect large areas of the body, or they can be localized to the palms or soles of the feet.
Psoriatic: This type causes painful, swollen joints that range from mild to severe. It can affect any joint in the body, and cause permanent joint damage in severe cases.
Erythrodermic: Although this is the least common type, it can quickly develop into a life-threatening condition. Symptoms include a red, peeling rash, intense itching, pain, or a burning sensation that affects nearly the entire body. If you have an erythrodermic flare, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Psoriasis causes
Researchers haven’t yet identified a specific cause, but psoriasis is connected to an autoimmune condition that results in the rapid production of new skin cells. As a result, dead skin cells quickly accumulate because the body is unable to shed the old skin cells quickly enough. This causes the patches of red skin with silvery plaques that are commonly seen with this skin condition.
Genetics and environmental factors also are thought to be causes: If you have a family member with psoriasis, you have a higher risk of developing it, and specific triggers in the environment also can cause symptoms to develop. These triggers include:
Stress
A skin injury, such as a scratch, bug bite, or sunburn
Weather, especially dry, cold conditions
Illness or infection, such as strep throat, bronchitis, ear infection, or respiratory infection
Frequent alcohol consumption
Smoking
Taking certain medications, including beta-blockers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), lithium, and malaria drugs
What are psoriasis treatment options?
While there is no cure, some available psoriasis treatments can improve your symptoms by slowing down the rapid growth of skin cells and reducing itching, pain, and discomfort. Treatment depends, however, on the type of psoriasis you have and which parts of the body are affected.
For mild cases, your dermatologist may prescribe a topical corticosteroid to help manage symptoms, or recommend other topical treatments, such as those containing salicylic acid, coal tar, retinoids, or aloe vera. Light therapy, also called phototherapy, can ease mild to moderate symptoms, as can daily exposure to sunlight. For severe cases, your doctor may prescribe oral or injectable medications that will suppress the immune system.
Your dermatologist can determine which treatments are right for you. You can also ask your doctor about over-the-counter treatments, such as lotions, shampoos, oatmeal baths, and other products, which can help relieve itching, as well as moisturize and soothe your skin. For some psoriasis types, a combination of treatments is the most appropriate.
Try to avoid known triggers to help prevent flares, and always speak with your dermatologist before using any over-the-counter treatment.
To schedule a comprehensive skin evaluation from one of our expert dermatologists, contact a Forefront Dermatology location near you today.
Related resources
See all blogs
Skin Care • Psoriasis • Dry Skin • Eczema
Itchy Skin at Night: When It’s Dry Skin, and When It’s Something Else
July 20, 2026
The house is quiet, the lights are off, and you're finally still. Then it starts: a prickle along your shins, an itch on your back you can't quite reach, a...
New Treatments for Psoriasis: What’s Next in Psoriasis Care?
January 12, 2026
Psoriasis affects close to 100 million people across the globe. Their journey to relief from this chronic, immune-mediated condition often involves navigating flare-ups, systemic inflammation, and the emotional toll of...
The Skin-Brain Axis: How Stress and Mood Affect the Skin—and Vice Versa
November 17, 2025
For most of the era of modern medicine, dermatology and psychology were treated as separate worlds. Skin conditions were managed on the surface, while emotional health was handled in the...
Request a consultation with a skin specialist today.
Loading map...