Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common autoimmune skin disorder which occurs when the skin cells replicate too quickly.  The skin produces new cells at many times the normal rate, creating inflamed, scaly and red patches of skin, called plaques, where the old skin has not shed quickly enough.  Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, but it is most common on the scalp, the knees, the buttocks, and the backs of the wrists. We have put together as list of the common signs and symptoms of psoriasis below.

Also, we have information on diagnosis, helpful books and valuable resources for patients.

The Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis include:

• Red, inflamed patches of skin, covered by a silvery white scale.  The scalp is one of the most common areas for psoriasis, affecting around 50 percent of patients
• Thick, dry skin
• Distorted nails
• Blisters on the hands or on the soles of the feet
• Small red dots on the trunk, arms and legs
• Smooth and inflamed lesions with no scales in the armpit, groin, under the breast and in the folds of the skin

Psoriasis can cause a type of arthritis similar to rheumatoid arthritis in some individuals.  Psoriasis is more common in women, in colder climates, and lighter-skinned people.  There is a genetic component to psoriasis, as psoriasis tends to run in families.  As with most genetic conditions, however, it is likely that people simply inherit a predisposition to psoriasis.

Psoriasis Diagnosis

There is no specific test for psoriasis.  Psoriasis is usually diagnosed by a physician based on observation, although a dermatologist has the most experience diagnosing and treating psoriasis.

Books For People With Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis

Psoriasis Resources

General Patient Resources

• National Psoriasis Foundation

National Psoriasis Foundation works to find a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and to eliminate their devastating effects through research, advocacy and … National Psoriasis Foundation works to find a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and to eliminate their devastating effects through research, advocacy and education.

http://www.psoriasis.org/

• American Academy of Dermatology

Comprehensive information about psoriasis, including the different types, causes, and treament

http://www.aad.org/skin-conditions/dermatology-a-to-z/psoriasis

• Family Doctor . org

Psoriasis is a condition that causes thick red marks and flaky white patches that look like scales to form on the skin. Learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment of psoriasis.

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/skin/disorders/199.html

• The Psoriasis Help Organization

A place where Psoriasis sufferers can exchange views and advice on how to live with and treat Psoriasis. Use the Online Forum to ask questions about Psoriasis.

http://www.psoriasis-help.org.uk/

• Talk Psoriasis Online Community

A forum hosted by the National Psoriasis Foundation.

http://www.inspire.com/groups/talk-psoriasis/

Medical  Resources

• Mayo Clinic

Comprehensive overview covers causes, symptoms and treatments of this chronic skin disorder.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/psoriasis/DS00193

• Pub Med Health

Discusses causes, incidence, risk factors, symptoms treatment, complications and prognosis.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001470/

• Medline Plus

A service of the US National Library of Medicine.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/psoriasis.html