Symptoms of Psoriasis

Itching. Despite the fact that psoriasis lesions may not cause discomfort, it is common for people to complain of itching related to the location of the lesion, rather than its size. The itching usually occurs when the scalp, folds of the groin or legs are affected.

Pain. Another complaint is pain, especially when there are intensely inflamed plaques on the legs, the palms and soles of the feet are involved, or there is nail psoriasis. Both the itching and pain can significantly interfere in the day‑to‑day lives of sufferers and decrease their quality of life.

Decreased self‑esteem. Caused by the stigma of having very visible lesions and the continuous peeling that may lead to a neglected appearance.

Well‑defined, red and coarsely flaking plaques This is the characteristic lesion. They may be small (1.5‑2 cm in diameter) or large (20 cm in diameter) and may appear on any part of the skin, in a symmetrical manner, and affecting the elbows and knees. They also frequently affect the scalp, sacral area and intergluteal cleft. Less frequently the genitals, palms, and soles of the feet are affected.

Large plaques. This is a rare form of psoriasis. In this case there are no plaques, but well‑marked areas of red skin in the axillary, sub‑mammary, abdominal, and inguinal folds. In this case, it is necessary to undertake differential diagnosis with other dermatoses that also affect skin folds, such as mycosis

Pustulate psoriasis. In this case, there are large areas of red skin with small pustules on the surface that break, leaving intensely erythematous skin bordered by laminar desquamation.

Nails. The changes that occur in the nails are very variable: thickening of the nail plate, fine pitting of the nail, changes in colouration, and separation of the nail plate.

Joints. Psoriasis can affect the joints and lead to arthritis and tenosynovitis.