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Psoriasis usually starts as one or more small psoriatic plaques – dark-pink, raised patches of skin with overlying silvery flaky scales – usually on the scalp, knees, elbows, back and buttocks. Sometimes the eyebrows, armpits, navel and groin may also be affected.
Usually, psoriasis produces only flaking. Even itching is uncommon. On the scalp, flaking may be mistaken for severe dandruff, but the patchy nature of psoriasis, with flaking areas interspersed among completely normal ones, distinguishes the disease from dandruff.
Although the first plaques may clear up by themselves, others may soon follow. Some plaques may remain thumbnail-sized, but in severe cases, psoriasis may spread to cover large areas of the body.
Usually, psoriasis produces only flaking. Even itching is uncommon. On the scalp, flaking may be mistaken for severe dandruff, but the patchy nature of psoriasis, with flaking areas interspersed among completely normal ones, distinguishes the disease from dandruff.
Although the first plaques may clear up by themselves, others may soon follow. Some plaques may remain thumbnail-sized, but in severe cases, psoriasis may spread to cover large areas of the body.
When flaking areas heal, the skin may look completely normal and hair growth is unchanged. However, healing psoriasis may leave behind skin changes, particularly pigment changes. Most people with limited psoriasis suffer few problems beyond the flaking, although the skin’s appearance may be embarrassing.
Psoriasis can also involve fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, discolouring and thickening, and sometimes even separating them from underlying tissue.
Patients may also suffer from arthritis.
