What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

Psoriasis causes patches of thick red skin and silvery scales. Patches are typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles, but can affect other places (fingernails, toenails, mouth). There are different types of psoriasis, but the most common type is called plaque psoriasis.

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory type of arthritis that eventually occurs in 10%-20% of people with psoriasis. It is different from more common types of arthritis (such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis) and is thought to be related to the underlying problem of psoriasis.

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are sometimes considered together as psoriatic disease.

How is psoriasis diagnosed and treated?

Psoriasis often has a typical appearance that a primary care doctor can recognize, but it can be confused with other skin diseases (like eczema), so a dermatologist (skin doctor) is often the best doctor to diagnose it. The treatment of psoriasis usually depends on the extent of disease or its severity or location (especially the face). Treatments range from creams and ointments applied to the affected areas to ultraviolet light therapy to treatment with drugs (such as methotrexate). Psoriasis may be associated with serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression. 

Psoriatic arthritis can be difficult to distinguish from other types of arthritis, so a rheumatologist (arthritis doctor) is often the best doctor to diagnose it. The treatment of psoriatic arthritis usually involves treatment with drugs (such as methotrexate).