Skinby Skin libraryRashes and redness

Psoriasis

2 sourcesEvery line checked against its source

In short

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes itchy or sore patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales.

What it is1

The main symptom of psoriasis is dry, itchy, sore, flaky patches of skin that form what look like silvery-white scales.
NHS website

Psoriasis is caused by your skin making more skin cells than usual, which creates patches on the skin.
NHS website
Psoriasis is not contagious so you cannot catch it or spread it.
NHS website
Psoriasis usually occurs in adults.
MedlinePlus
Triggers can include: stress; drinking alcohol or smoking; living with obesity; being pregnant; certain medicines; infections, such as strep A and HIV; cuts, scratches or grazes on your skin; sunlight.
NHS website
There are usually times where your symptoms get worse (called flare-ups) and times when they're better.
NHS website

The main treatments are: vitamin D creams, lotions, ointments and gels; moisturizing creams, lotions, ointments and gels for your skin and to wash with (emollients); steroid creams, lotions or gels; other treatments for your skin or scalp, such as coal tar.
NHS website
Things that can help: try to avoid the things that make your symptoms worse (triggers); have a healthy, balanced diet; get regular exercise; try to reduce stress if you can; try not to drink too much alcohol; try to stop smoking, if you smoke.
NHS website

See a health care provider if you have symptoms of psoriasis; you have psoriasis and your treatment is not working or is giving you side effects; you have psoriasis and also have pain, stiffness and swelling in your joints that keeps coming back.
NHS website
Speak to your doctor or a pharmacist if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
NHS website

These pages describe what the sources say. They cannot say what is going on with your skin.

A one-minute scan on your iPhone, a plain answer mapped to your face, and what helps, with its source. Free to start.