Psoriasis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a long-term skin disease that causes skin cells to grow faster than normal. The cells build up on the surface of your skin and cause red patches. The cause of psoriasis is not known. A problem with your immune system or a family history of psoriasis may increase your risk. Psoriasis is not contagious. Psoriasis cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be managed.

What triggers a psoriasis flare-up?

Flare-ups come and go and are caused by certain triggers, such as the following:

• Infections such as strep throat or HIV
• Certain medicines, such as lithium or NSAIDs
• An injury to the skin or irritation from a sunburn
• Smoking or alcohol use
• Weight gain or obesity
• Increased stress

What are the signs and symptoms of psoriasis?

Signs and symptoms depend on the type of psoriasis you have:

• Plaque (vulgaris) is the most common type of psoriasis. Plaques are reddened patches covered with silver-colored scales. Your knees, elbows, scalp, stomach, and back are usually affected. You may also have nail changes, such as pitting, thickening, or lifting of the nails off the nail beds.
• Guttate is the most common type among children and young adults. It usually happens after a sore throat or other infection. This type looks like red, raised, pea-sized drops on your skin.
• Inverse type affects skin in the armpits, groin, under breasts, and around the genitals. The plaques appear as smooth red patches with little to no scales.
• Erythrodermic is a rare and severe type. Plaques cover large areas of the skin. These areas itch and are painful. You may have a fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes. You may also have nail changes, such as pitting, thickening, or lifting of the nails off the nail beds.
• Pustular type can happen on small or large areas of the body. Pustules (blisters with pus inside) or pimple-like lesions may appear on large red areas of the skin. This type can also develop during pregnancy.
• Psoriatic arthritis makes your joints swollen and painful. You may also have nail changes, such as pitting, thickening, or lifting of the nails off the nail beds.

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and health history. Your provider may also ask if you have a family history of psoriasis. Your provider will look at your skin, scalp, and nails. Your provider may take a sample of your skin. Blood tests and x-rays may also be needed.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

How is psoriasis treated?

Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are, the size of the areas involved, and the type of psoriasis. You may need any of the following:

• Topical medicines are ointments, creams, and pastes that are applied on the skin. These medicines help hydrate and soothe the skin, clear plaques, and decrease inflammation.
• Oral medicines are used to treat serious types of psoriasis. They include steroids and retinoids. They may also include medicines that decrease the rate of growth of your skin cells or that affect your immune system.
• Phototherapy , or light therapy, helps stop or slow skin cell growth. Your skin will be put under ultraviolet (UV) light for a period of time.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Humira
• Stelara
• clobetasol
• Skyrizi
• Cosentyx

View more treatment options

How can I manage psoriasis?

• Take care of your skin. Apply emollients, lubricants, or moisturizing creams to your skin regularly. Apply these to clean, damp skin. Stop using them if they sting or irritate your skin. Use mild soaps and add bath oils as directed. Use warm water when you bathe. Do not use hot water.
• Limit sun exposure. Short periods of sun exposure can help your psoriasis. Too much sun exposure or a sunburn can make your psoriasis worse. Talk to your dermatologist or healthcare provider about how much sun exposure is right for you.
• Manage stress. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as deep breathing or meditation.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your provider what a healthy weight is for you. Your provider can help you create a weight-loss plan, if needed.
• Watch for symptoms with new medicines or herbal supplements. Some medicines, including herbal supplements, may trigger a psoriasis flare-up. Ask if any of the medicines you take may be making your psoriasis worse. Always check for skin changes when you take your medicines.
• Do not smoke. Smoking can trigger a flare-up. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
• Limit alcohol. Alcohol can trigger a flare-up. Ask your healthcare provider if it is okay for you to drink alcohol.
• Avoid triggers when possible. Your provider can help you find out what your triggers are and how to avoid them.

What do I need to know about psoriasis and pregnancy?

Certain medicines that treat psoriasis may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Your provider can help you plan a safe pregnancy.

When should I seek immediate care?

• Psoriasis suddenly covers larger areas of your body and becomes more painful.
• You feel more tired than usual, you are dizzy, or you become confused.

When should I call my doctor or dermatologist?

• You have a fever.
• Your skin plaques are not getting better or are getting worse.
• You cannot sleep because your skin itches.
• Your skin plaques have pus draining from them, or they have soft yellow scabs.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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