Skin Problems & Treatments Health Center
The Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis
The signs and symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on the type you have. Some common signs for plaque psoriasis -- the most common variety of the condition -- include:
- Plaques of red, inflamed skin, often covered with loose, silver-colored scales. These plaques may be itchy and painful and sometimes crack and bleed. In severe cases, the plaques will grow and merge into one another, covering large areas.
- Disorders of the fingernails and toenails, including discoloration and pitting of the nails. The nails may also begin to crumble or detach from the nail bed.
- Scaly plaques on the scalp.
- Small areas of bleeding where the involved skin is scratched.
Psoriasis can also be associated with psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain and swelling in the joints. The National Psoriasis Foundation estimates that between 10% to 30% of people with psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriasis Treatment Strategies
There are many psoriasis treatments that can be used alone or in combination. They include topical treatments, phototherapy (ultraviolet light therapy), and oral and injected medications. Deciding on a treatment approach is something that you'll do with your doctor. Your decision will be based on a number of things: the severity of your psoriasis, any treatments that you've used before, whether you have other medical conditions, and finally, your own opinion about what sounds right to you. Doctors...
Read the Psoriasis Treatment Strategies article > >
For the symptoms of rarer forms of psoriasis, see Psoriasis Overview.
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Common Treatments for Skin Problems
