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.

For the symptoms of rarer forms of psoriasis, see Psoriasis Overview.