Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes skin redness and irritation. Most persons with psoriasis have thick, red skin with flaky, silver-white patches called scales.

See also: Guttate psoriasis

Persons with psoriasis have irritated patches of skin. The redness is most often seen on the elbows, knees, and trunk, but can appear anywhere on the body. For example, there may be flaky patches on the scalp.

The skin patches or dots may be:

• Pink-red in color (like the color of salmon)
• Dry and covered with silver, flaky skin (scales)
• Raised and thick

Additional symptoms may include:

• Genital lesions in males
• Joint pain or aching (psoriatic arthritis)
• Nail changes, including nail thickening, yellow-brown spots, dents (pits) on the nail surface, and separation of the nail from the base