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Psoriasis Symptoms and Complications
There are several types of psoriasis, each with its own signs and symptoms. By Cathy CassataMedically Reviewed by Ross Radusky, MDReviewed: January 26, 2022Medically ReviewedPsoriasis symptoms can range from a few spots to major eruptions.Getty ImagesThe signs and symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on the person and type of psoriasis.Although psoriasis is a chronic condition that lasts a lifetime, some people may find that symptoms clear up for months or years at a time. This is known as remission. Common symptoms of psoriasis include:Plaques — raised, inflamed patches of skin covered with scale (the buildup of dead skin cells). On white skin, plaques typically appear red with silvery-white scale, while on skin of color plaques may be purple, gray, or dark brownSmall, round, scaly spots (common in children with psoriasis)Dry, cracked skin that may bleedItching, burning, or sorenessThickened, pitted, or ridged nailsSwollen and stiff joints Psoriasis patches can range from a few spots of dandruff-like scaling to major eruptions that cover large areas. Most types of psoriasis go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a time or even going into complete remission. Everything You Need to Know About Biologics for Psoriasis
Get the facts about the most targeted psoriasis treatment option.Consumer’s Guide What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most prevalent type of psoriasis. As many as 90 percent of people with psoriasis have this form. If you have plaque psoriasis, one of the most common symptoms is raised, inflamed patches of skin that are covered with scale. These patches are known as plaques. The following are signs that you may have plaque psoriasis:Raised, inflamed skin patches that can appear anywhere on the bodyA scaly coating on skin patchesFrequent locations for patches include the knees, elbows, lower back, and scalpItchingPatches that thicken when scratchedPatches varying in size, either alone or joined togetherNails that are pitted, crumbling, or falling off 6 Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms You Shouldn' t Ignore
Psoriatic Arthritis can impact both your physical and emotional health. Look out for these common symptoms and see a healthcare provider if you experience them. 9 Ways To Relieve Psoriatic Foot Symptoms
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Guttate Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis is the second most common type of psoriasis, affecting roughly 8 percent of people who have the disease. This type of psoriasis may clear up without any treatment, but it sometimes requires medical attention. It may appear for a single episode, typically following an illness like strep throat, or it may signal the start of plaque psoriasis. Symptoms of guttate psoriasis include:Small spots that are most common on the trunk, arms, and legs, but can show up anywhere on the bodySpots that clear up in a few weeks or months without treatment What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Pustular Psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis is an uncommon form of the disease that affects an estimated 3 percent of people with psoriasis. It often occurs in older adults, though it can appear in people of any age. Possible symptoms include:Discolored, swollen, and dotted skin with pus-filled bumpsBumps, often only on the palms and solesSore, painful bumpsDiscolored dots or scale on the skin after pus-filled bumps dry When pus-filled bumps cover the body, you may have inflamed skin and feel ill, exhausted, have a fever, chills, severe itching, rapid pulse, loss of appetite, or muscle weakness. What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Inverse Psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis, also known as flexural psoriasis, is a type of psoriasis that forms in skin folds, such as the armpits, genitals, and under the breasts. Inverse psoriasis occurs in 21 to 30 percent of people with psoriasis, usually alongside some other form of the condition. It can be one of the most painful and irritating forms of the disease. The symptoms of inverse psoriasis include:Smooth, discolored patches of skin — on skin of color these may appear purplish, brown, or darker than the surrounding skin, while on white skin these lesions may be bright red and shinySore skinPatches only on creases of the skin, like the armpits, near the groin, genitals, and buttocksRaw patches under the fold of the breast What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare, potentially life-threatening type of psoriasis, diagnosed in roughly 2 percent of people with the disease. It is a particularly inflammatory form of psoriasis that affects most of the body, and it can occur in association with pustular psoriasis. Its symptoms include:Skin that looks burnedBright red or otherwise discolored skin over much of the bodyFeeling very hot or very coldRapid heartbeatIntense itchingSevere pain How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed
Most of the time, your physician can diagnose psoriasis by taking your medical history and examining your skin, scalp, and nails. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be done to determine the type of psoriasis, and to rule out other disorders that look similar to psoriasis, such as dyshidrotic eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, lichen planus, ringworm, and pityriasis rosea. Can Psoriasis Lead to Other Health Complications
Having psoriasis could put you at risk for developing other medical conditions. Your skin plays a vital role in regulating body temperature, providing hydration, and protecting against infection. When skin disorders such as psoriasis affect the body, certain changes take place that may lead to additional problems. Doctors aren’t sure if the risk of developing other conditions is solely related to the disease itself or if psoriasis treatment also plays a role.About 30 percent of people with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis, which is a form of psoriasis that affects the joints. People with psoriatic arthritis experience painful, swollen joints and other symptoms. You can develop psoriatic arthritis any time, but it most commonly appears between age 30 and 50. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can increase your risk of developing the following health problems: Cancer In one recent meta-analysis, researchers found an association between psoriasis and an increased risk of developing cancers, including colon and liver.The scientists note that more research is needed to better understand this link and the potential role of lifestyle factors and medications. Cardiovascular Disease A review of research studies concluded that people with psoriasis have an increased risk of heart disease and factors that may contribute to heart disease, including high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Celiac Disease This autoimmune disorder causes damage to the small intestine in response to the consumption of gluten. A research meta-analysis concluded that psoriasis patients are at increased risk of testing positive for markers of celiac disease. Depression A research meta-analysis found that more than one-quarter of people with psoriasis showed symptoms of depression. Diabetes According to one study, people with severe psoriasis are 30 percent more likely to have type 2 diabetes — a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels — and approximately 9 percent of people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes have psoriasis. Tell your doctor if you experience any symptoms of type 2 diabetes, which may include hunger, increased thirst, blurred vision, or fatigue.Eye Diseases Certain eye conditions are more common in people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. These may include conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye), uveitis (an inflammatory disease of the eye), and blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid). An estimated 7 percent of people with psoriatic arthritis will develop uveitis. Hearing Problems One recent study found that psoriasis significantly increased the risk of a rare form of hearing loss called SSHL (sudden sensorineural hearing loss). Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) One research meta-analysis found that people with psoriasis had a 2.53-fold increased risk of developing Crohn’s disease and a 1.71-fold increased risk of developing ulcerative colitis. Kidney Disease People with psoriasis are at a higher risk of developing kidney disease. A study concluded that people with severe psoriasis are twice as likely to develop chronic kidney disease as those who have mild psoriasis or no psoriasis. Liver Disease Psoriasis raises the risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition in which too much fat is stored in the liver. Obesity Experts aren’t sure exactly why, but obesity is strongly associated with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. One recent study found an association between high body mass index (BMI) and increased risk of developing psoriasis, with the higher the BMI, the greater the risk. Resources We Love
American Osteopathic College of DermatologyPsoriasis AssociationPharmacy Times: Living With Psoriasis Just a Girl With Spots: Living With PsoriasisTalk PsoriasisAmerican Family Physician: PsoriasisPsoHoward.comInternational Federation of Psoriasis AssociationsPsoriasis Cure NowNEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Psoriasis Newsletter
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ReferencesGisondi P, Di Mercurio M, Idolazzi L, Girolomoni G. Concept of Remission in Chronic Plaque Psoriasis. Journal of Rheumatology. November 2015.Psoriasis: Signs and Symptoms. American Academy of Dermatology Association.Guttate Psoriasis. National Psoriasis Foundation.Pustular Psoriasis. National Psoriasis Foundation.Inverse Psoriasis. National Psoriasis Foundation.Erythrodermic Psoriasis. National Psoriasis Foundation.Oliveira MFSP, Oliveira Rocha B, Duarte GV. Psoriasis: Classical and Emerging Comorbidities. Brazilian Annals of Dermatology. January-February 2015.About Psoriatic Arthritis. National Psoriasis Foundation.Trafford AM, Parisi R, Kontopantelis E, et al. Association of Psoriasis With the Risk of Developing or Dying From Cancer. JAMA Dermatology. October 16, 2019.Jindal S, Jindal N. Psoriasis and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Literature Review to Determine the Causal Relationship. Cureus. February 2018.Bhatia BK, Millsop JW, Debbaneh M, et al. Diet and Psoriasis: Part 2. Celiac Disease and Role of a Gluten-Free Diet. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. August 2014.Dowlatsashi E, Wakkee M, Arends L, et al. The Prevalence and Odds of Depressive Symptoms and Clinical Depression in Psoriasis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. June 2014.Duff M, Demidova O, Blackburn S,Shubrook J. Cutaneous Manifestations of Diabetes Mellitus. Clinical Diabetes. January 2015.Azevedo Fraga NA, Oliveira MFP, Follador I, et al. Psoriasis and Uveitis: A Literature Review. Journal of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology. November–December 2012.Choi HG, Park B, Hong SM, et al. Psoriasis Increases the Risk of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Longitudinal Follow-Up Using a National Sample Cohort. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. December 2020.Fu Y, Lee CH, Chi CC. Association of Psoriasis With Inflammatory Bowel Disease. JAMA Dermatology. December 2018.Wan J, Wang S, Haynes K, et al. Risk of Moderate to Advanced Kidney Disease in Patients With Psoriasis: Population-Based Cohort Study. BMJ. October 15, 2013.Prussick R, Prussick L, Nussbaum D. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Psoriasis. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. March 2015.Norden A, Rekhtman S, Strunk A, et al. Risk of Psoriasis According to Body Mass Index: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. June 9, 2021. SourcesPsoriasis: Causes. American Academy of Dermatology.Psoriasis: Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic.Related Conditions of Psoriasis. National Psoriasis Foundation.Show Less The Latest in Psoriasis
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