Overview
In psoriasis, the immune system becomes overactive and makes skin cells build up in days instead of weeks. This causes raised, red or darker patches covered with silvery scales, often on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
Symptoms come and go in flares. Psoriasis is linked to other conditions, like psoriatic arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and depression.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person.
- Thick, scaly, silvery patches
- Itching or burning
- Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
Less common
- Pitted or thick nails
- Flaky scalp
- Small drop-shaped spots after strep throat
- Swollen, stiff joints
When to get medical care
Causes
Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system and genes. Flares can be triggered by infections (like strep), stress, skin injury, cold dry weather, smoking, and some medicines.
Does it spread or run in families?
- It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
- It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.
Who is more likely to get it
- Family history
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Stress
Possible complications
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Depression
- Heart disease: Higher risk with severe psoriasis
Diagnosis
A doctor usually diagnoses it by looking at your skin, scalp, and nails.
Questions you may be asked
- Family history
- Joint pain
- Triggers like infections or stress
The exam
They'll check skin, scalp, nails, and joints.
Tests
Rarely needed:
- Skin biopsy: If it looks like another condition.
Treatment
Treatment depends on how much skin is involved and where.
Self-care
- Moisturize every day
- Take short, lukewarm baths
- Get small amounts of sun and avoid sunburn
- Don't smoke and limit alcohol
- Manage stress
Medicines
There are many choices.
| Medicine | Helps with | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Creams and ointments | Mild psoriasis | Strong steroids can thin skin. |
| Pills | Moderate to severe psoriasis | Need regular checks. |
| Biologics | Moderate to severe psoriasis | Can raise infection risk. |
OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.
Mild psoriasis is treated with creams. Light therapy helps larger areas. Moderate to severe psoriasis may need pills or injections (biologics) that calm the immune system.
How it compares
| Psoriasis | Eczema | |
|---|---|---|
| Patches | Thick, sharp edges, silvery scale | Dry, less defined |
| Where | Elbows, knees, scalp | Inner elbows, behind knees |
| Itch | Mild to moderate | Often intense |
Prevention
To lower flares:
- Avoid triggers
- Moisturize
- Don't smoke
- Keep a healthy weight
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
- They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).
Living with it
- Moisturize at least twice a day.
- Use gentle, fragrance-free products.
- Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.
Support groups and helplines
- National Psoriasis Foundation: Patient Navigation Center and online community.
Back to school, work, or sports
- Most people can keep working or going to school.
- Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- Children: Often start with guttate psoriasis after strep throat.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
- Some skin medicines, like isotretinoin and retinoid creams, aren't safe in pregnancy.
- Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
- Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
- Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.
For caregivers
- Go to visits when you can and take notes.
- Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
- Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
- Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.
Outlook
Psoriasis is lifelong but treatments can clear skin or nearly clear it for many people.
Myths and facts
Myth: Psoriasis is contagious.
Fact: Psoriasis can't spread to other people.
Getting ready for your visit
Photos of flares help.
What to bring
- Treatments tried
Questions to ask
- Do I need a stronger treatment?
- Could my joint pain be psoriatic arthritis?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.