Psoriasis symptoms: what to know

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition with symptoms that can wax and wane. Patches may be pink, red, brown or violet depending on skin tone, and they may carry dry, pale scale. Itching is common, while burning, tenderness or skin cracking can occur in more active areas. The scalp, elbows, knees, trunk and body folds are frequent sites, but psoriasis can occur elsewhere. Nail pitting, lifting, thickening or colour change may accompany skin disease. Joint stiffness or swelling is a separate concern that should be reported.

Track where symptoms occur, what they look like, and whether new medicines, illness, stress, injury or weather changes preceded a flare. Use a gentle cleanser and moisturiser, avoid picking scale, and protect cracked areas from friction. A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and match treatment to body site, thickness, symptoms and your health history. Do not start or stop a prescribed treatment without guidance, especially on the face, folds or genitals.

Seek prompt care for painful widespread redness, pus, fever, rapidly spreading blisters, or skin that is breaking down. Arrange an assessment for new unexplained patches, symptoms that affect sleep or movement, or nail changes with joint pain. Sudden severe joint swelling or difficulty using a limb warrants urgent medical advice.

Ask which symptoms support psoriasis, whether another condition should be ruled out, and how to record flares. Ask which products are suitable for each body site, what improvement to watch for, and which joint or nail changes should trigger a review.