Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that causes new skin cells to develop too quickly. The cells build up on the surface of the skin, creating patches that can be thick, dry, scaly and itchy.
The condition can look very different from one person to another. It can affect the scalp, elbows, knees, lower back, nails and other areas of the body. Some forms also affect skin folds, while another form can affect the joints.
There is no single treatment that works for everyone, but there are effective ways to control the condition and reduce its impact on everyday life.
What Is Psoriasis?
The affected skin is an inflammatory condition involving the immune system.
Normally, skin cells develop and are replaced over a period of several weeks. With the skin condition, this process can happen much more quickly. New cells accumulate before the older cells have had time to shed normally.
The result can be raised areas of skin known as plaques.
Psoriasis is not contagious. You cannot catch it from another person through touching, sharing towels or being close to someone who has the condition.
What Does Psoriasis Look Like?
The appearance of the skin condition depends on its type, where it occurs and the individual’s skin tone.
Common signs include:
- thickened or raised patches of skin
- dry or scaly areas
- itching
- soreness or pain
- cracking or bleeding skin
- changes to the nails
- patches that come and go in flares
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type. It often produces raised patches covered with dry, silvery-white scale, particularly on the elbows, knees, lower back or scalp.
On darker skin tones, the skin condition may appear darker than the surrounding skin, and the scale can also look different. This is one reason photographs alone should never be used to diagnose the condition.
What Are the Different Types of Psoriasis?
There are several types of psoriasis, and it is possible for someone to experience more than one type.
Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common form.
It produces raised, thickened patches that are often covered with scale. The patches can vary greatly in size and may join together to form larger areas.
Scalp Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis can affect part or all of the scalp.
It may look similar to severe dandruff, but the patches tend to be thicker and more clearly defined. The affected skin can sometimes extend beyond the hairline.
Guttate Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis produces many small, scaly spots or bumps, often across the chest, back, arms or legs.
It can develop fairly suddenly and is sometimes triggered by an infection such as a sore throat.
Inverse Psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis usually affects skin folds, such as the armpits, groin and crease between the buttocks.
Instead of the thick scale seen with plaque psoriasis, the affected skin can look smooth, red and sore.
Pustular Psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis causes pus-filled bumps surrounded by red or inflamed skin.
Although these bumps can look like an infection, the appearance does not automatically mean that the skin is infected.
Some forms of pustular psoriasis can be serious and need prompt medical treatment.
Nail Psoriasis
The disease can affect the fingernails and toenails.
Possible changes include tiny pits in the nails, thickening, discolouration, separation from the nail bed or crumbling.
Nail changes can sometimes be mistaken for a fungal infection, so a proper diagnosis is important.
What Causes Psoriasis?
The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood.
The condition involves an overactive immune response that speeds up the production of skin cells. Genetics also play an important role, which is why affected skin can run in families.
Having a close relative with psoriasis increases the likelihood of developing it, but having no family history does not rule it out.
Several factors can trigger or worsen the disease in some people. These may include:
- stress
- skin injuries
- infections
- smoking
- heavy alcohol use
- certain medicines
- cold or dry weather
Triggers vary between individuals. Something that causes a flare for one person may have little effect on another.
Is Psoriasis Contagious?
No.
The disease is not an infection and cannot be passed from one person to another.
It is safe to have normal physical contact with someone who has the condition.
Unfortunately, visible skin conditions can sometimes lead to misunderstanding or embarrassment. Understanding that affected skin is not contagious can help reduce some of the stigma surrounding it.
How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed?
There is no single blood test that diagnoses the condition.
A healthcare professional will usually examine the affected skin, scalp and nails and ask about your symptoms and medical history.
Sometimes a small sample of skin is taken for examination if the diagnosis is uncertain.
This matters because several other skin conditions can look similar to the condition, including eczema, fungal infections and other inflammatory skin disorders.
It is therefore better to get a proper diagnosis than to assume that every scaly or itchy patch is psoriasis.
How Is Psoriasis Treated?
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition, where it occurs and how much it affects your life.
For mild psoriasis, treatment applied directly to the skin may be enough.
Depending on the circumstances, treatment can include:
Moisturisers and Emollients
Regular moisturising can help reduce dryness and scaling and make affected skin feel more comfortable.
Choose products that suit your skin and avoid anything that causes irritation.
Topical Medicines
Doctors may prescribe medicines that are applied directly to the affected skin.
These can include corticosteroids and other topical treatments that help reduce inflammation and slow the excessive growth of skin cells.
The strength and duration of treatment matter, particularly with steroid medicines, so follow professional instructions rather than assuming that more is better.
Light Therapy
Some people with psoriasis may benefit from controlled ultraviolet light treatment under medical supervision.
This is different from deliberately exposing your skin to large amounts of sunlight.
Medicines That Work Throughout the Body
More extensive or difficult-to-control psoriasis may require medicines that work throughout the body.
These can include traditional systemic medicines and newer biologic treatments.
The right option depends on the type and severity of the condition, your other health conditions and the medicines you already take.
There is no single best treatment for everyone.
What About Natural Remedies for Psoriasis?
This is where it is particularly important to separate sensible self-care from claims of a natural cure.
You will find many websites promising that a particular oil, supplement, diet or herbal product can eliminate the condition.
There is no reliable evidence that one natural remedy can cure psoriasis.
Some complementary approaches have been studied, including dietary changes, supplements, herbal products and stress-reduction techniques. The evidence is often limited, inconsistent or based on small studies.
That does not mean every complementary approach is useless. It means you should not assume that “natural” automatically means effective or safe.
Some products can also interact with prescription medicines.
If you are considering a supplement or herbal treatment, discuss it with a healthcare professional, particularly if you take other medicines.
Can Diet Affect Psoriasis?
There is no single psoriasis diet that works for everyone.
A generally healthy, balanced diet is sensible for overall health, and for people with the condition who are overweight, gradual weight loss may improve psoriasis severity.
Some small studies suggest that people who also have gluten sensitivity may benefit from avoiding gluten, but a gluten-free diet is not automatically appropriate for everyone with psoriasis.
The important thing is to avoid extreme diets based on promises of curing psoriasis.
Nutrition can be part of good overall health, but it should not replace appropriate psoriasis treatment.
Can Stress Make Psoriasis Worse?
Stress can be an important trigger for some people.
Living with an itchy or visible skin condition can also create stress, embarrassment or anxiety, which can make the situation feel like a vicious circle.
Finding ways to manage stress may help you cope with the condition and may reduce flares for some people, although stress management should be viewed as part of overall care rather than a cure.
Useful options can include regular physical activity, relaxation techniques, adequate sleep, time outdoors and talking to someone you trust.
What About Psoriatic Arthritis?
Psoriasis can affect more than the skin.
Some people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory condition that can cause joint pain, swelling and stiffness.
Possible warning signs include:
- persistent joint pain
- swollen fingers or toes
- stiffness, particularly in the morning
- changes to the nails
- unexplained tiredness
You should speak to a healthcare professional if these symptoms develop.
Early assessment matters because untreated inflammatory joint disease can cause lasting damage.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Make an appointment with your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional if:
- you think you may have psoriasis
- your symptoms are getting worse
- your current treatment is no longer controlling your symptoms
- your skin is painful, cracked or bleeding
- psoriasis is interfering with sleep, work or everyday life
- you develop persistent joint pain, swelling or stiffness
You should also seek medical advice if a rash changes suddenly or you are unsure what is causing it.
When Is Psoriasis an Emergency?
Some rare forms of psoriasis can become serious.
Seek urgent medical attention if the condition suddenly affects most of your body and you develop severe redness, extensive blistering or peeling, fever, chills or feel very unwell.
Pustular or erythrodermic psoriasis can require urgent treatment.
Living With Psoriasis
Psoriasis is usually a long-term condition, which means that treatment often involves managing periods of improvement and flare-ups rather than expecting one permanent cure.
That can be frustrating, particularly when a flare seems to appear without an obvious reason.
Try to learn your own triggers and treatment routine.
Take prescribed medication as directed, moisturise regularly if recommended, look after your general health and seek professional advice when your symptoms change.
You do not have to manage the condition alone.
The Bottom Line
Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin condition that can affect much more than appearance.
It can cause itching, soreness, scaling and nail changes, and some people also develop psoriatic arthritis.
There is no single cure or natural remedy that makes the condition disappear permanently.
But there are effective treatments that can reduce symptoms and help many people live comfortably with the condition.
The most sensible approach is to:
Get a proper diagnosis.
Learn which type or types of psoriasis you have.
Use treatment consistently as advised.
Look after your overall health.
Be cautious about miracle cures and unproven supplements.
And seek help if your symptoms change or you develop joint problems.
Psoriasis may be a long-term condition, but it does not have to take over your life.
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Medical Disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you think you may have psoriasis, your symptoms are changing, or you are considering changing treatment or using supplements, speak with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.