Signs & Symptoms of Psoriasis

Overview

Psoriasis is a skin condition that results in redness and irritation. The most common places for psoriasis to appear are the elbows, knees and trunk of the body, though it can occur anywhere, according to the National Institutes of Health. Patients with psoriasis have a build up of dead skin cells, which results in the irritation. Psoriasis is not a contagious disease; it is thought to be a hereditary disease. Symptoms of psoriasis typically begin between the ages of 15 and 35. Five types of psoriasis exist.

Triggers

Psoriasis symptoms can be triggered by certain illnesses and drugs as well as environmental factors. Bacterial and viral infections, injuries to the skin, anti-malaria drugs, beta-blockers and lithium can all trigger psoriasis outbreaks. In addition, stress, too much alcohol, too little sunlight and sunburn can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Patients with erythrodermic psoriasis have very intense skin redness, which covers a large area of skin. In addition, the irritated skin is raised and thicker, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Guttate

The symptoms of guttate psoriasis are small pinkish-red spots on the skin. According to the National Institutes of Health, the color of the spots from guttate psoriasis resembles the color of salmon.

Inverse

Patients with inverse psoriasis have skin redness and irritation on the skin of the armpits, groin and between folds of skin.

Plaque

The symptom of plaque psoriasis, the most common form, is thick, red patches of skin. In addition, the irritated skin is covered with silvery-white, flaky scales.

Pustular

Patients with pustular psoriasis have white blisters, which are surrounded by red, irritated skin.

Additional Symptoms

Patients with weakened immune systems---people with AIDS, autoimmune disorders, or those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer--- will have more severe symptoms. Men who have psoriasis can also suffer from genital lesions. Thirty percent of psoriasis patients also develop psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include joint pain and aching. Ten percent of psoriasis patients have symptoms only in their nails, including nail thickening, yellow-brown spots on the nails, separation of the nail from its base and dents on the nail surface.