WHAT IS PSORIASIS? CAUSES, SYMPTOMS & TREATMENT
Many people suffer from psoriasis. And while the symptoms and emotional toll of this skin condition can be difficult to deal with, there are ways to alleviate symptoms and get your life back on track. This article will help you to understand psoriasis, so that you can recognize the early signs and symptoms of psoriasis, as well as understand the difference between eczema and psoriasis. We’ll explore the different types of psoriasis and the treatment options available.
WHAT IS PSORIASIS?
Psoriasis is a common, long-term skin disease. It’s not fully understood, but is thought to be an immune system reaction where healthy skin cells are attacked by mistake. Psoriasis causes skin cells to grow faster than they should and this rapid production of cells leads to skin rashes with dry, itchy, scaly patches.1
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF PSORIASIS?
There are a variety of types of psoriasis. Some of the most common are:
Plaque psoriasis – This is the most common type of psoriasis. It causes dry, itchy, scaly skin patches, normally on the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp. When the skin eventually heals it may leave temporary changes in skin color, also called post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Nail psoriasis – This affects fingernails and toenails. It causes abnormal nail growth and discoloration, as well as pitting of the nails. Sometimes the nails loosen and fall off. In severe cases the nail could crumble away.
Guttate Psoriasis – This normally affects children and young adults and causes small droplet-shaped scaly spots in the torso, arms, and legs. It is often triggered by a bacterial infection like strep throat.
Inverse psoriasis – This affects areas of the body with skin folds, such as the groin, buttocks, and breasts. Sometimes it is triggered by fungal infections and it causes patches of inflamed skin that get worse with friction caused by the skin rubbing together.
Pustular psoriasis – This is a rare type of psoriasis that causes pus-filled blisters either in larger patches or small areas of the palms or soles.
Erythrodermic psoriasis – this is the least common type of psoriasis that covers the entire body in a peeling rash that itches or burns intensely.1
WHAT DOES PSORIASIS LOOK LIKE?
The visual signs of psoriasis progress with the severity of the condition:
An early sign of psoriasis is small bumps on the skin. These grow and develop into plaques.
Plaques are thick areas of discolored, scaly skin.
Sometimes the scales tear away from the skin, especially if scratched, which can cause bleeding.
As the psoriasis rash develops lesions can form.2
Psoriasis is the most common on the elbows and knees.
Scalp psoriasis patches can extend onto the forehead, neck, or ears. Very thick patches can also lead to hair loss.
On the toenails, psoriasis causes yellow or brown spots, and in extreme cases, crumbling nails.3
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PSORIASIS, ECZEMA AND DERMATITIS?
It can be tricky to work out the difference between psoriasis vs eczema vs dermatitis as they all refer to conditions that affect the skin. Sometimes ‘dermatitis’ and ‘eczema’ are used interchangeably. There is more of a difference between eczema and psoriasis, because psoriasis is an autoimmune disease.
Dermatitis – A general term for conditions that cause skin inflammation, including eczema but not psoriasis. Read our guide to dermatitis.
Eczema – A type of dermatitis where the skin’s barrier struggles to hold on to enough moisture to protect itself. Read our guide to eczema.
Psoriasis – An immune condition where patches of skin cells grow too quickly.4
WHAT CAUSES PSORIASIS?
It is thought that there may be a biological component to psoriasis as it runs in families. Specific episodes of psoriasis, called ‘flare ups’ are caused by contact with a trigger, either an irritant or an allergen. Some common triggers for psoriasis flare ups include:
Stress – Stress from work or generalized life anxiety can trigger an immune response.
Infections – Strep throat is often a trigger for a psoriasis flare up.
Injuries to the skin – Irritation to the skin, like cuts or surgery sites can cause an outbreak in that area.
Medications – medicines like lithium and beta-blockers can be a trigger.
Temperature changes – People who suffer from psoriasis are often sensitive to weather changes.2
IS PSORIASIS CONTAGIOUS?
Psoriasis is not contagious as it cannot be passed on or ‘caught’ by coming into contact with somebody who has it.
COMMON PSORIASIS SYMPTOMS
Psoriasis symptoms can worsen over time if not effectively treated. What starts as itching can develop into skin lesions and infection. Typical psoriasis symptoms, in order of severity include:
Small bumps on the skin – normally the first sign of psoriasis
Itchy skin
Plaques – thick areas of discoloured, scaly skin
Broken, bleeding skin — this normally happens as a result of scratching plaques and causes further risk of an infection.
Lesions on the skin
If your psoriasis keeps getting worse, or you have broken skin that think could be infected, seek advice from your doctor.2
DOES PSORIASIS ITCH?
Itching is one of the main psoriasis symptoms. It can make people suffering from it feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. It can also worsen the skin condition itself as scratching inflames the skin and could cause bleeding and infection.2
HOW TO TREAT ITCH RELATED TO PSORIASIS?
Treating itchy skin caused by psoriasis often involves a combination of approaches. Treatments generally fall into three categories: natural remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) psoriasis medications, and prescribed psoriasis medications. Each has its role in addressing different aspects of the condition to bring you much-needed relief.
NATURAL REMEDIES
Many people have turned to alternative therapies to help to ease the symptoms of psoriasis, including acupuncture, vitamins, and special diets. The efficacy of these options is not adequately established, in general there may be little harm in trying them, yet it is recommended to consult with your doctor first. Methods include:
Aloe extract cream – claims to calm scaling, itchy skin if used several times a day for a month or more.
Fish oil supplements – claims to calm rashes, in combination with UVB therapy, if fish oil is applied to the affected skin and covered with a dressing for six hours a day for four weeks.
Oregon grape AKA barberry – claims to help reduce the severity of psoriasis when applied to the skin.1
OVER THE COUNTER PRODUCTS
For more targeted relief, over-the-counter (OTC) products can address specific psoriasis symptoms like itching, scaling, or redness. These products include:
Steroid creams
Moisturizers for dry skin
Medication to slow skin cell production (anthralin)
Medicated lotions or shampoos
Vitamin D3 ointment
Vitamin A or retinoid creams2
Cortizone-10® anti-itch lotion for psoriasis is formulated with 1% hydrocortisone, the maximum over-the-counter strength available, to provide fast, long-lasting relief from psoriasis itching.
While OTC products can be convenient, they are generally best for mild to moderate cases. If psoriasis symptoms persist, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended.
PRESCRIBED MEDICATION
For moderate to severe psoriasis, or when other treatments are not effective, medications may be prescribed by a doctor. These prescription treatments are designed to address the underlying causes of psoriasis and provide more comprehensive relief include:
Light therapy—designed to reduce inflammation and slow skin cell production.
PUVA therapy—a combination of medicine and ultraviolet light treatment.
Retinoids—a vitamin A derivative that can help reduce scaling.
Immune therapies— target the autoimmune reactions that cause psoriasis.
Methotrexate— suppresses the immune system but requires regular monitoring.
Always discuss potential side effects and drug interactions with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.2
HOW TO CURE PSORIASIS PERMANENTLY?
Psoriasis is a lifelong condition, meaning it cannot be cured. However, with the right psoriasis treatment plan, symptoms can be managed effectively, and long periods of remission are possible. A flare-up may last anywhere from weeks to months, but with proper care, the severity and frequency of symptoms can often be reduced.
Understanding your triggers—whether they’re stress, certain foods, or environmental factors—can also play a significant role in managing the condition. Avoiding these triggers can help prolong remission and improve overall quality of life.2
WHEN SHOULD I GO SEE A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER?
Seek advice from a doctor if you have a psoriasis flare up that doesn’t respond to treatment, becomes severe, or causes discomfort or embarrassment.1
FAQS ABOUT PSORIASIS
WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF PSORIASIS?
Psoriasis is caused by an over-reactive immune system that creates inflammation in your skin. Outbreaks, or flare ups, can happen when you come into contact with certain triggers.2
WHERE ON THE BODY CAN I GET PSORIASIS?
You can get psoriasis in any area of your body. Early signs and symptoms of psoriasis is a rash that starts on the elbows, knees, scalp or lower back. Psoriasis on the face, psoriasis on the hands, and psoriasis on the feet are also common.5
CAN PSORIASIS BE CURED?
Psoriasis can’t be cured but understanding the triggers can help you to reduce flare ups.2
CAN PSORIASIS COME BACK AFTER TREATMENT?
Psoriasis is a condition that can’t be cured. It presents as ‘flare ups’ that often start in adolescence and continue throughout a person’s life. Flare ups can be managed with treatment and understanding your unique triggers can help to prevent them.2
HOW TO GET RID OF PSORIASIS?
Although psoriasis cannot be completely cured, medications are available to relieve symptoms. The first step is understanding and eliminating the trigger. Over-the-counter medicines, including hydrocortisone psoriasis creams, can be used to treat the itch associated with a psoriasis flare up. In some cases, other treatments, like light therapy, are prescribed by a doctor.2
HOW DO I STOP PSORIASIS FROM ITCHING?
Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams can be used to help treat psoriasis itching symptoms. Although it can be difficult, it’s best to avoid scratching itchy skin as it can lead to bleeding and infection.2
Note: Use all products only as directed. Cortizone-10® is indicated for temporary relief of itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to psoriasis. For questions about your specific situation, talk to your healthcare provider for further advice.
SOURCES:
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Psoriasis: symptoms & causes. Mayo Clinic; Updated 2026 [cited 2026 Feb 27]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840
- Cleveland Clinic. Psoriasis. Cleveland Clinic Health Library; Last updated 07 Jun 2024 [cited 2026 Feb 27]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6866-psoriasis
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. What does psoriasis look like? AAD; [cited 2026 Feb 27]. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/scaly‑skin/psoriasis/psoriasis‑signs‑and‑symptoms/what‑does‑psoriasis‑look‑like
- Robinson KM, Altomara D. Psoriasis vs. Eczema: How to Tell the Difference. WebMD; Medically reviewed by Zilpah Sheikh, MD, 09 Dec 2024 [cited 2026 Feb 26]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/psoriasis-or-eczema
- NHS. Psoriasis [Internet]. London: National Health Service; 2022 [cited 2026 Mar 10]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriasis
