Overview
Psoriasis is a long-term immune-driven skin condition in which skin cells multiply too fast, building up as thick, scaly patches — commonly on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. It is not contagious and not caused by poor hygiene. Treatment controls it well, though it tends to flare and settle over years.
Symptoms
- Thick, well-defined scaly patches
- Silvery-white or greyish scale over darker or reddened skin
- Itching or soreness
- Scalp scaling resembling severe dandruff
- Pitted or thickened nails
- Joint pain or stiffness in some people
Causes & risk factors
- Immune system over-activity (inherited tendency)
- Triggers: stress, skin injury, some infections
- Certain medicines
- Smoking and heavy alcohol worsening disease
Treatment & self-care
Regular moisturising plus prescribed creams that slow skin build-up control most cases; widespread or stubborn disease may need light therapy or specialist tablets. Avoid scratching and picking the scale, manage stress, and limit alcohol and smoking. Joint pains alongside psoriasis should be reported, as they can be a related arthritis.
See a doctor urgently if
- Patches covering large areas or rapidly spreading
- Joint pain, stiffness or swelling
- Psoriasis affecting daily life or self-esteem
- Skin becoming red, hot and weeping all over — emergency