Psoriasis on dark skin

A patch may be raised, sharply outlined, dry, or scaly, with itch, burning, tightness, or cracking. Bright redness may be less obvious, while violet, purple, grey, or deeper brown tones can show inflammation. The area may remain lighter or darker after a flare. A clinician should consider texture, distribution, scalp, nails, and joints because colour alone cannot confirm the cause.

Wash gently with lukewarm water, pat dry, and apply fragrance-free moisturiser while damp. Avoid picking scale, abrasive scrubs, and products that sting. A clinician can select treatment for the site and skin sensitivity; use it as instructed and ask before combining it with bleaching or exfoliating products. Read more about Psoriasis.

Have a persistent, spreading, or unexplained patch examined. Seek prompt care for severe pain, warmth, pus, swelling, fever, rapid breakdown, or extensive peeling. New joint pain, swelling, or nail changes should be reported.

Ask how active inflammation differs from leftover colour change, whether the diagnosis needs confirmation, and which treatment is least irritating for the affected site.