Psoriasis is a skin disease that can be uncomfortable and painful. If you have this condition, knowing more about it can certainly help you gain control of your diagnosis and potentially reduce its symptoms. That’s why we’ll cover everything you need to know about psoriasis, from what it is, to how psoriasis is treated, and more. You can also share your experiences with the condition with us at Carecircle and let others know how you manage your diagnosis.

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What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune, long-term (chronic) skin condition that causes skin cells to quickly build up into flaky, scaly patches. These patches can be painful and inflamed, and look pink or red, with silvery or white scales. On darker skin tones, they can also look brown or purple, with grey-coloured scales.

Types of Psoriasis

There are 5 main types of psoriasis that affect the skin in slightly different ways. These include:

• Plaque psoriasis – the most common type of psoriasis. It causes patches of scaly dry skin, known as plaques, that are usually found on your scalp, knees, back, and elbows.
• Pustular psoriasis – more typical in adults. It causes inflamed red skin and white, pus-filled blisters, usually found in small areas, such as the hands and feet.
• Inverse psoriasis, also known as flexural psoriasis. This type typically builds up under your armpits, breasts, groin, and around the genitals. The patches of skin are bright and shiny, red and inflamed.
• Guttate psoriasis causes small, pink or violet-coloured, drop-shaped scaling spots on the body, arms, and legs. It mainly affects children and young adults, usually following a bacterial infection.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare type of the skin condition that can be severe and very painful. It affects large areas of the body and can cause fever and illness. The scales with this type can form sheets and a peeling rash that feels burnt and itchy – the skin also looking sunburnt.

Scalp Psoriasis

A type of plaque psoriasis, this affects parts or the whole of the scalp. It causes thick scales and in severe cases can lead to hair loss, which is usually temporary.

Psoriasis on face

Facial psoriasis causes dry, red patches on the face that are typically thick and persistent. These patches are usually around the hairline, ears, neck, and forehead.

Psoriasis on hands

When psoriasis affects the hands, it’s known as palmar-plantar psoriasis. It can cause red, scaly patches of skin and can form blisters or pimple-like spots. It can also lead to cracks and splits in the skin, and is normally found on the back of the hands and knuckles.

Psoriasis on feet

Psoriasis on the feet is also known as palmar-plantar psoriasis. It causes the same issues as psoriasis on the hands, and typically affects the tops of the feet.

Nail psoriasis

It is estimated that around half of those living with psoriasis will also see the condition affect the fingernails and/or toenails. It can cause discolouration, abnormal growth, and small dents in the nail. In severe cases, it can cause the nail to crumble.

Eyelid Psoriasis

Psoriasis around the eyes takes the form of redness and dandruff-like scaling. It can be painful to move the eyes and cause swelling that makes the eyelashes irritate the eyeball.

Psoriasis in ears

Psoriasis can affect the front and back of the ears and even in the ear canal. Again, it is in the form of red, scaly patches. It can cause trouble hearing and the feeling that the ear is blocked.

Psoriasis on elbow

You can have psoriasis on one or both elbows. The skin displays the typical red or purply, itchy patches with raised silvery or grey plaque scales.

Psoriasis on legs

Psoriasis can affect different areas all over the legs and even behind the knees. It can appear cracked or flushed, and can cause the usual signs of scaling.

Psoriasis symptoms

The symptoms of psoriasis can affect everyone differently – some might only ever experience mild discomfort, whereas for others it can greatly affect their lives. It can be cyclical too, where you have periods of mild or no symptoms whatsoever, followed by flare-ups where the psoriasis is more severe. Psoriasis symptoms include:

• A patchy rash that can be red on light skin, and purply or brown on dark skin
• Raised, inflamed patches of skin
• Scales, known as plaques, that are whitish, silvery, or grey
• Dry cracked skin that can bleed
• Itching, burning, and/or soreness around the patches

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What causes Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is caused by the rapid production of skin cells, which leads to the inflamed patches of skin and scaling. Usually, skin cells take 3-4 weeks to be replaced, but for those living with psoriasis it happens every 3-7 days.

Currently, it’s not known exactly why this happens. However, we do know that it’s the result of the immune system mistakenly attacking the skin cells, which in turn leads to the speeding up of skin cell production. Genetics also play a part – you are at more risk of developing the condition if someone else in your family has it already.

How do you diagnose Psoriasis?

A doctor can usually diagnose psoriasis with a physical exam. You’ll want to share all your symptoms and whether any family members have the condition. Sometimes, it may be necessary to take a small sample of the skin (a biopsy) to confirm the diagnosis.

What to do if you have Psoriasis?

If you think you might have psoriasis, see your doctor to get a professional diagnosis. If you do have the skin condition, it’s a good idea to speak to your clinician sooner rather than later because it can take time to find the right treatment that works for you. Alongside traditional medical treatments – which we’ll go through shortly – you might also want to try the following to help relieve symptoms:

• Rubbing aloe vera on affected areas
• Preventing dry skin by using a dehumidifier and moisturisers
• Eating a healthy diet (more on this below)
• Quitting smoking and cutting down on alcohol
• Taking turmeric to help minimise psoriasis flare-ups
• Reducing stress through yoga or similar activities as stress can trigger flare-ups
• Applying a one-to-one mix of organic apple cider vinegar and water to reduce itchiness (do not use this if the skin is cracked or bleeding)

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What’s the treatment for Psoriasis?

You can often effectively control the symptoms of psoriasis with treatment. There are a range of treatments available too, which are designed to help those with mild symptoms and more severe cases of the disease. There are three main types of psoriasis treatments:

• Topical treatments
• Phototherapy
• Capsules, tablets, and injections (systemic treatments)

Topical treatments for psoriasis

If you have mild to moderate psoriasis, your doctor will likely start the treatment with a topical cream or ointment that you rub directly into the affected skin. You might find this treatment is enough to control your psoriasis diagnosis, although it may take up to and over a month before you see results. Some topical treatments can be bought over the counter, whilst others have to be prescribed by your doctor. Topical treatments include:

• Emollients, which reduce itchiness and scaling, and moisturise the skin
• Steroid creams to ease redness and swelling
• Vitamin D analogues, often used alongside steroid creams, these creams can reduce inflammation and slow the production of skin cells
• Coal tar to reduce inflammation, itchiness, and scaling
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors are often used where steroid creams prove ineffective – they can be used in sensitive areas and they work by altering immune cells
• Dithranol can reduce skin cell production in affected areas – it is a short-term treatment that is often effective

Phototherapy for psoriasis

Light treatment can help those living with psoriasis by slowing down skin cells that grow too fast. It’s usually done in a hospital or at a dermatologist centre. Phototherapy can be used in addition to many of the topical treatments as well. There are two main types of light therapy for psoriasis:

• Ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy can be an effective treatment for those who haven’t responded well to the topical ointments and creams
• Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) can be helpful for severe cases of psoriasis, especially where other medicines prove less effective

Systemic treatments for psoriasis

If you have moderate to severe psoriasis – or none of the above treatments proves effective – you might be prescribed systemic treatments, which are drugs that work throughout the entire body. Often in the form of capsules, tablets, and injections, systemic treatments can be very effective in dealing with the symptoms of psoriasis. However, alongside the benefits, they can also have side effects. The two main types of these treatments are:

• Non-biological – usually capsules or tablets – which include immunosuppressants, enzyme inhibitors, and oral retinoids. These medications all work differently, but they can slow down the immune system’s response and/or slow the production of skin cells.
• Biological – usually injections – reduce inflammation by targeting immune cells that cause psoriasis.

Sometimes it can be difficult to find the right psoriasis treatments that work for you. If you feel like your prescription isn’t working, see your doctor to try one of the other treatments available. And always speak to your clinician if you think might have psoriasis to get a professional diagnosis and treatment.

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Best cream for psoriasis

The best creams for psoriasis will depend on your skin and its sensitivity, and your condition and its severity. As mentioned above, you may have to try a range of treatments before you find the best topical cream that works for you. Some of the creams for psoriasis that you might want to try include:

• E45 Psoriasis Cream
• Epaderm Ointment
• Eucerin
• Psoriasin Deep Moisturizing Ointment
• Gold Bond Ultimate Multi-Symptom Psoriasis Relief Cream
• TriDermaMD Psoriasis Control Cream
• Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel Cream
• Grahams Natural Skin Psoriasis Cream
• Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Nourishing Balm
• Curél Curél Hydratherapy Itch Defense Wet Skin Moisturizer

Psoriasis diet

Whilst there is not a psoriasis diet that can cure the symptoms of the disease, a healthy diet could help to relieve the condition. To minimise psoriasis flare-ups, it might be beneficial to eat less of and avoid certain foods, whilst eating more of others in a well-balanced diet.

Foods to reduce and/or avoid that could help minimise psoriasis flare ups:

• Dairy
• Refined carbohydrates
• Foods high in saturated fats and trans fats
• Foods high in sugars
• Alcohol
• Gluten

Foods to eat:

• The Mediterranean diet
• Fish, lean protein, and tofu
• Fruits and vegetables
• Legumes (beans and lentils)
• Nuts and seeds
• Berries, such as raspberries and blueberries
• Olive oil
• Whole grains

Psoriasis FAQs

Here, we answer all your psoriasis frequently asked questions. We get to the point and answer your queries directly so you can get the health information you need in an instant.

Is psoriasis contagious?

No, psoriasis is not contagious. It cannot be passed from person to person.

How to cure psoriasis permanently?

Currently, there is not a permanent cure for psoriasis. However, there are medications that can help you manage the condition and help relieve the symptoms and any pain.

What does psoriasis look like?

Typically, psoriasis looks like a red or purply patch with silvery or grey scales. It can also look slightly different depending on your skin tone. 

Is psoriasis an autoimmune disease?

Yes, psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. It’s the result of the immune system mistakenly attacking the skin cells, which in turn speeds up the production of skin cells leading to psoriasis.

How to get rid of psoriasis?

To manage the symptoms of psoriasis, be sure to use your prescribed medication as advised by your clinician. In addition, you can take self-care measures to help manage the condition, from taking regular baths, moisturising your skin, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and covering the affected areas overnight with a topical ointment.

Is psoriasis itchy?

The flaky plaques that develop with psoriasis can be itchy and sore. There is a range of creams that can help relieve both the itchiness and soreness.

What does psoriasis mean?

The word ‘psoriasis’ is from the Greek, meaning itching condition. It is a chronic, autoimmune skin disease, which causes patches of inflamed skin that builds up with scales.

Is psoriasis genetic?

Yes, there is a link between psoriasis and genetics. If a family member has the skin condition, it can increase your risk of developing the disease.

Do you have a question about psoriasis you need answering? Join the conversation at Carecircle for free and become part of our supportive community, where you can talk with others living with psoriasis and ask us further questions on the condition.

Psoriasis Resources

Below are some additional resources about psoriasis, which patients, carers, and interested individuals may wish to explore. At Carecircle, we’ll always point you in the right direction towards further information that could bring you greater help, hope, and control.

• Psoriasis.org
• Psoriasis Association UK
• Psoriasis Cure Now
• American Skin
• AAD.org – Psoriasis
• CSDF
• Psoriasis Club
• Wim Hof Method
• The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance
• AMCP – Psoriasis Resources
• Psoriaris.com
• Psoriasis.org – Integrative Approaches to Care

Whilst it can take some time to find the right treatment for psoriasis, there are effective creams, drugs, and even light therapies that can help relieve the symptoms and help you gain control over your diagnosis. If you think you have the skin condition, do see your doctor to start the process of finding the right treatment for you. During your journey, we at Carecircle are always here whenever you need additional help, support, and hope.

Guide Sources

• NHS UK – Psoriasis
• Healthline – Psoriasis
• Mayo Clinic – Psoriasis
• Psoriasis.org
• Mayo Clinic – Psoriasis Diagnosis & Treatment
• Medical News Today – Psoriasis on Legs
• Medical News Today – Eyelid Psoriasis
• WebMD – Psoriasis on Hands and Feet
• Dermnet NZ – Facial Psoriasis
• WebMD – Psoriasis in Ears
• Byrdie.com – Best Creams for Psoriasis
• Healthline – Best cream for psoriasis
• Psoriasis.org – Integrative approaches to care
• Healthline – Psoriasis Dietary Supplements
• Hopkins Medicine – Psoriasis Diet
• Hopkins Medicine – Mediterranean Diet
• Psoriasis.org – Diet
• Psoriasis.org – Anti-inflammatory Diet