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All About: Psoriasis

  • Writer: Leilani W
    Leilani W
  • Aug 24, 2025
  • 8 min read

Updated: Jan 3

Imagine the feeling of a thousand burning needles prickling your skin. Or of hundreds of fire ants crawling up and down your body. Or the uncontrollable urge to scratch off your skin until it breaks. Sadly, for some, this is a daily reality.


This will be the very first post in my new "All About..." series, where I'll be exploring different skin conditions seen in dermatology. I decided that it'd be fitting to begin with psoriasis, especially since August is Psoriasis Awareness Month.


In this post, we’ll be looking into the details of psoriasis, including what it is, its causes, the different types, and how it impacts the lives of those who have it.



What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis (pronounced as "sr-ai-uh-sis") is an autoimmune (when the immune system attacks the body’s own cells), chronic skin disease that causes itchy, scaly rashes or flare-ups. It is a common, chronic condition affecting around 125 million people worldwide. The flare-ups come and go in cycles that can last anywhere between a few weeks to months. It is not contagious, and there is no known cure (more on that later).


Psoriasis is frequently seen on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp, but it can also be found on nails, in skin folds, the face, inside the mouth, genitals, lower back, or on hands and feet. It can appear at any age, but it's most commonly shown during early adult years.


Symptoms:

  • patchy rashes that range in size, quantity, and severity of scaliness

  • rashes can vary in color — purplish gray on brown or Black skin; pinkish-red, silver on white skin

  • dry, cracked skin that can easily bleed

  • itching

  • burning

  • soreness

  • flare-up cycles



Types of Psoriasis

Psoriasis can be seen in several levels of severity. Some are rarer than others and affect specific places on the body. It's common for individuals with psoriasis to experience many types simultaneously.


Let's look at some of these examples, ranging from most common to rarest:


  • Plaque psoriasis: 

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis, affecting around 80 to 90 percent of those who have psoriasis. It commonly appears on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp. The patches found on the skin look raised, inflamed, and scaly, and can range from a few to many. They appear red with a white top layer on Caucasian skin and appear darker with purple or grayish buildup on darker skin. These patches can also be very itchy and painful.

Plaque psoriasis example. Red, scaly skin patch and smaller spots on skin.
Plaque psoriasis on dark skin example. Purplish, gray scaly skin patch.






  • Nail psoriasis:

Nail psoriasis often accompanies plaque psoriasis, and it affects around 50% of people who

have psoriasis. Because it affects fingernails and toenails, daily activities can be impacted negatively. Some symptoms include: pitting, abnormal nail growth, discoloration, thickening, deformation, and onycholysis (detachment of the nail plate from the nail bed).

Nail psoriasis example. Dry, peeling skin and discolored nails.







  • Inverse psoriasis:

Inverse psoriasis, also known as intertriginous or flexural psoriasis. affects around 21 to 30 percent of people who have psoriasis. It's primarily seen in skin folds, primarily underarms, under breasts, genital area, and buttocks, and is more common in people who are overweight. The friction, rubbing, and sweat in these locations cause the smooth patches to become irritated and inflamed, which may also lead to fungal infections.

Inverse psoriasis example. Red, irritated skin underarms, skin folds.








  • Guttate psoriasis: 

Guttate psoriasis is seen in around 8% of people who have psoriasis, and it mostly affects

children and young adults. It appears as several small, round, drop-shaped, scaling spots often located on arms, legs, and trunk/torso, but it can also appear on the face, ears, and scalp.

Guttate psoriasis example. Red, circular, scaly rash spots on pale skin.






  • Pustular psoriasis:

Pustular psoriasis affects around 3% of people who have psoriasis. It is considered a rare type and causes sterile pustules (pus-filled bumps that are not caused by infection). These pus-filled blisters can be surrounded by inflamed or irritated skin and can appear in spread-out patches or on smaller areas.

There are 3 different subcategories of pustular psoriasis:

  1. Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP): affects large areas of the body and often comes with fever, chills, severe itching, change in heart rate, fatigue, and muscle weakness

  2. Palmoplantar Pustular Psoriasis (PPPP): localized pustular psoriasis; specific to the palms of the hands and/or soles of the feet, and can also affect the base of the thumbs and sides of the heels.

  3. Acrodermatitis Continua of Hallopeau (ACH): localized pustular psoriasis; affects only the tips of fingers and/or toes, particularly the nails, and usually shows up after an injury or infection.

Pustular psoriasis example. Red skin and numerous small pustules on the palm.







  • Erythrodermic psoriasis:

Erythrodermic psoriasis is the rarest and most severe type of psoriasis, affecting around 2%

of people with psoriasis. It can cover the entire body with severely itchy and burning rashes, and be life-threatening. It is more commonly seen in Asians. Some symptoms include: itch, swelling, hair loss, fever, fatigue, increased heart rate, shivering episodes, edema (swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues), higher risk of infection, pneumonia, and heart failure.

Erythrodermic psoriasis example. Red, scaly patches. The skin appears inflamed and textured.









Causes

Unfortunately, the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown. However, scientists do know that it involves the immune system and genetics. Genetics plays a role due to the fact that you could still develop psoriasis despite having no family history of the disease. Or it could be a change in your immune system caused by a trigger. These triggers can cause someone who previously had psoriasis but became free from symptoms to gain them again.


Some triggers include:

-stress

-illness (especially strep infections)

-a skin injury

-environmental factors

-certain medications


Despite not having a clear answer, the most commonly believed cause of psoriasis is infection-fighting cells mistakenly attacking your healthy skin cells, or the uncontrolled, rapid growth of skin cells. Additionally, risk factors such as family history and smoking can increase the chances of developing the disease



Treatments/Cure?

Psoriasis does not have a cure, but there are treatments that can lessen the symptoms.

Treatments include:

  • Light therapy/Phototherapy – Uses LED or UV light to reduce inflammation and slow skin cell production.

  • PUVA therapy – Combines psoralen (a medication) with UVA light to improve symptoms.

  • Retinoids – Drugs related to Vitamin A that help control skin cell growth but may have side effects, including birth defects.

  • Immune therapies – Biologics and small molecule inhibitors (advanced medications) that target the immune system to prevent autoimmune attacks on the skin.

  • Methotrexate – Prescribed for severe psoriasis; requires monitoring for liver health due to potentially causing liver disease.

  • Cyclosporine – Treats severe psoriasis but can cause kidney damage and high blood pressure.

  • Complementary Medicine – a study by JAMA Dermatology revealed that complementary medicine methods like meditation, acupuncture, indigo naturalis (a Chinese herbal powder mixed into an ointment), and supplements of curcumin (capsules or tablets of turmeric's active ingredient) improved symptoms.


These treatments can also help lower the risk of developing other health issues such as psoriatic arthritis (a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs in some people with psoriasis, causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling), heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and depression.


Diet

According to a study published by JAMA Dermatology, eating a Mediterranean diet improved psoriasis flare-ups. Mediterranean diets include fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish, fruit, nuts, and extra-virgin olive oil, which have an anti-inflammatory effect in the body. Despite more research being needed to confirm this correlation, this diet may offer additional protection against psoriasis triggers.



Effects on Daily Life

As you can imagine, psoriasis can have a huge impact on one's life. Basic daily life activities that we take for granted can become extremely more difficult for those who have psoriasis. Impacts on personal relationships, work, emotional health, and physical comfort are some areas in life that concern patients the most.


The symptoms of psoriasis, whether mild or severe, lead many patients to change their daily lives. Struggling with what to wear in order to hide the rashes, having to be more cautious with shower habits such as avoiding harsh soaps or showering more often, and having your life revolved on treatments and medications to lessen the symptoms show us how difficult and stress-inducing psoriasis can be. This ongoing stress often contributes to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem among those affected.


School, work, and periods in your life, such as falling in love or starting a family, can be significantly affected by psoriasis. Bullying and workplace discrimination are common occurrences faced by patients. Moreover, navigating conversations with romantic partners or managing pregnancy can present additional challenges.


And all of this isn't even including the physical pain that can come with psoriasis. The uncontrollable urge to scratch your skin until it bleeds, the discomfort felt by any movement, and the side effects of medication can greatly impact daily life and overall well-being.


Despite these effects on life, there are those with psoriasis who have refused to let their symptoms define or control their lives. For example, Emma Grace Smith, at the age of 16, competed in American Idol and won a ticket to Hollywood Week. She had been diagnosed with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis when she was 7. Despite insecurities and physical strain, she didn't let it stop her from singing. There are many more stories out there of people like Emma who have persevered and grown with their diagnosis, showing that psoriasis doesn't have to limit one’s dreams or achievements.



Final Thoughts

Psoriasis is way more than just a skin condition. It challenges millions worldwide who live with it every day, throughout all aspects of life. The pain, discomfort, and stigma can be overwhelming. However, there are countless individuals who've persevered and shown their incredible strength and resilience, which is truly inspiring.


Hopefully, as a future dermatologist, I aspire to help these patients through effective treatments, support, and increased research with the hope of finding a cure. Raising awareness about psoriasis is incredibly important; many have never even heard of it or understand the great extent of its impacts. By spreading knowledge and supporting those affected, we can help people with psoriasis feel seen, understood, and supported, making a difference in their lives.


psoriasis on human skin, showing red, scaly patches on the arms and legs
psoriasis on human skin, showing red, scaly patches on the arms and legs


Sources

Introduction

What is Psoriasis?

Types of Psoriasis

Causes

Treatments/Cure?

Effects on Daily Life

1 Comment

Vinicius Wagner
Vinicius Wagner
Aug 25, 2025

Thank you for the information, 👍

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