Psoriasis Resource Center

Psoriasis can have large, scaling, slightly elevated lesions. These lesions are usually found near or at the elbow as well as the forearm, knees, legs, scalp, buttocks, and genital areas.
Psoriasis can have large, scaling, slightly elevated lesions. These lesions are usually found near or at the elbow as well as the forearm, knees, legs, scalp, buttocks, and genital areas.
Psoriasis may involve large areas of scaling, such as on the neck and scalp.
Psoriasis may involve large areas of scaling, such as on the neck and scalp.
These small bumps and slightly elevated lesions have the typical white scale of psoriasis.
These small bumps and slightly elevated lesions have the typical white scale of psoriasis.
This image displays the fine, scaly, slightly elevated lesions in the armpit (axilla) in psoriasis.
This image displays the fine, scaly, slightly elevated lesions in the armpit (axilla) in psoriasis.
In psoriasis, this is a typical elevated lesion with white scale on the knee.
In psoriasis, this is a typical elevated lesion with white scale on the knee.
This image displays dry, scaly areas of the scalp typical of psoriasis.
This image displays dry, scaly areas of the scalp typical of psoriasis.
Psoriasis of the ear typically involves the ear canal and appears as redness with white scale.
Psoriasis of the ear typically involves the ear canal and appears as redness with white scale.
This image displays psoriasis, which can develop a thick, white scale.
This image displays psoriasis, which can develop a thick, white scale.
Psoriasis often has white, thick scale that comes off in
Psoriasis often has white, thick scale that comes off in "plates" when picked, causing bleeding.
Psoriasis can be slightly scaly with bright red, well-demarcated areas.
Psoriasis can be slightly scaly with bright red, well-demarcated areas.
This image displays scaly, slightly elevated lesions on the lower back and buttocks, typical locations for psoriasis.
This image displays scaly, slightly elevated lesions on the lower back and buttocks, typical locations for psoriasis.
Pinkness and scaly skin can cover the soles when psoriasis is on the feet.
Pinkness and scaly skin can cover the soles when psoriasis is on the feet.
This image displays thick, white, scaly skin with redness underneath, typical of psoriasis.
This image displays thick, white, scaly skin with redness underneath, typical of psoriasis.
Psoriasis involving the fingernails may cause an irregular nail plate as well as separation of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis). This individual also has psoriasis of the skin around the nail.
Psoriasis involving the fingernails may cause an irregular nail plate as well as separation of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis). This individual also has psoriasis of the skin around the nail.
Psoriasis typically has bright red or pink circular, scaling patches, which may be seen anywhere on the body.
Psoriasis typically has bright red or pink circular, scaling patches, which may be seen anywhere on the body.
This image displays pits, roughness, and lifting of the tip of the nail tip typical of psoriasis of the nail.
This image displays pits, roughness, and lifting of the tip of the nail tip typical of psoriasis of the nail.
Psoriasis typically has multiple areas of skin involvement with lesions clustered on or near the knees.
Psoriasis typically has multiple areas of skin involvement with lesions clustered on or near the knees.
This image displays yellow, lifted nails from onycholysis, which is frequent in psoriasis.
This image displays yellow, lifted nails from onycholysis, which is frequent in psoriasis.

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 This image displays psoriasis of the areola and nipple.
This image displays psoriasis of the areola and nipple.

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 This image displays the scaly redness of the skin typical of psoriasis.
This image displays the scaly redness of the skin typical of psoriasis.

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 Psoriasis frequently occurs in the genital area of men and women. Psoriasis is not contagious and is not spread sexually.
Psoriasis frequently occurs in the genital area of men and women. Psoriasis is not contagious and is not spread sexually.
Numerous tiny nail pits are common in people with psoriasis.
Numerous tiny nail pits are common in people with psoriasis.

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 The scaling typical of psoriasis is also seen on the genitals.
The scaling typical of psoriasis is also seen on the genitals.

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 This image displays a red, scaly, slightly elevated lesion on the penis.
This image displays a red, scaly, slightly elevated lesion on the penis.

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 This image displays redness and scaly skin due to psoriasis.
This image displays redness and scaly skin due to psoriasis.
This image displays minimal scale with subtle redness due to psoriasis.
This image displays minimal scale with subtle redness due to psoriasis.
Subtle pink, scaly skin lesions of the ear and scalp of a patient with plaque psoriasis.
Subtle pink, scaly skin lesions of the ear and scalp of a patient with plaque psoriasis.
Subtle pink, scaly skin lesions of the ear and scalp of a patient with plaque psoriasis.
Subtle pink, scaly skin lesions of the ear and scalp of a patient with plaque psoriasis.
Typical raised, red skin lesions of plaque psoriasis with their characteristic thick white scale. Redness may be subtler in darker skin colors.
Typical raised, red skin lesions of plaque psoriasis with their characteristic thick white scale. Redness may be subtler in darker skin colors.
This image displays knees affected by psoriasis.
This image displays knees affected by psoriasis.
This image displays the thick, white, scaling area typical to psoriasis.
This image displays the thick, white, scaling area typical to psoriasis.
This image displays a nail that is lifting up (onycholysis) due to psoriasis.
This image displays a nail that is lifting up (onycholysis) due to psoriasis.
This image displays a large, red, scaly, slightly elevated lesion of psoriasis in the armpit.
This image displays a large, red, scaly, slightly elevated lesion of psoriasis in the armpit.

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 Psoriasis is common in the genital region, where the scaling is not as prominent due to moisture in this region.
Psoriasis is common in the genital region, where the scaling is not as prominent due to moisture in this region.
This image displays a knee affected by psoriasis.
This image displays a knee affected by psoriasis.
Redness and silver-looking scaling often affect the scalp and hairline with psoriasis.
Redness and silver-looking scaling often affect the scalp and hairline with psoriasis.
Psoriasis can be displayed as smaller, scattered patches.
Psoriasis can be displayed as smaller, scattered patches.
This image displays psoriasis affecting the knees due to excess friction from play and sports.
This image displays psoriasis affecting the knees due to excess friction from play and sports.
Redness and thick scaling of the slightly elevated lesions is common with psoriasis.
Redness and thick scaling of the slightly elevated lesions is common with psoriasis.
In darker skinned people, new areas of psoriasis are pink, while older areas are displayed as lighter, flat marks.
In darker skinned people, new areas of psoriasis are pink, while older areas are displayed as lighter, flat marks.
This image displays a close-up of the scaly, slightly elevated lesions of psoriasis, which often appear to come off in plates.
This image displays a close-up of the scaly, slightly elevated lesions of psoriasis, which often appear to come off in plates.
This image displays typical slightly elevation lesions of psoriasis with thick, white scale and redness.
This image displays typical slightly elevation lesions of psoriasis with thick, white scale and redness.
Typical redness and scaling of external ear canal psoriasis.
Typical redness and scaling of external ear canal psoriasis.
This image displays an extensive case of psoriasis that has been triggered by a strep infection.
This image displays an extensive case of psoriasis that has been triggered by a strep infection.
This image displays an uneven, pitted nail separated from the nail bed due to psoriasis.
This image displays an uneven, pitted nail separated from the nail bed due to psoriasis.
This image displays psoriasis that affects only the patient's palms and soles (palmoplantar psoriasis).
This image displays psoriasis that affects only the patient's palms and soles (palmoplantar psoriasis).
This image displays a forehead and scalp affected by psoriasis.
This image displays a forehead and scalp affected by psoriasis.

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 Psoriasis often affects the body folds and genitals with bright red patches that are not as scaly as other regions because of the moistness typical of this area.
Psoriasis often affects the body folds and genitals with bright red patches that are not as scaly as other regions because of the moistness typical of this area.
This image displays a nail affected with psoriasis.
This image displays a nail affected with psoriasis.
This image displays cracks in the skin of hands typical of psoriasis.
This image displays cracks in the skin of hands typical of psoriasis.
Psoriasis on the bottoms of feet may affect the instep of the sole as well as areas of friction.
Psoriasis on the bottoms of feet may affect the instep of the sole as well as areas of friction.
This image displays dry, cracked skin typical of psoriasis.
This image displays dry, cracked skin typical of psoriasis.
This image displays small pits and discoloration of the nail surface typical of psoriasis of the nail.
This image displays small pits and discoloration of the nail surface typical of psoriasis of the nail.
Psoriasis may be evident in the nails with multiple tiny, pit-like depressions of the nail plate surface.
Psoriasis may be evident in the nails with multiple tiny, pit-like depressions of the nail plate surface.
Psoriasis frequently is more severe on the buttocks.
Psoriasis frequently is more severe on the buttocks.
When psoriasis involves body fold areas (known as psoriasis inversus), there is not as much scaling due to moisture.
When psoriasis involves body fold areas (known as psoriasis inversus), there is not as much scaling due to moisture.
Some patients with plaque psoriasis may develop thinner, raised, pink lesions without the classical thick white scale.
Some patients with plaque psoriasis may develop thinner, raised, pink lesions without the classical thick white scale.
Psoriasis commonly involves areas of the skin where trauma or irritation has occurred. This image shows an elbow lesion in a patient with plaque psoriasis.
Psoriasis commonly involves areas of the skin where trauma or irritation has occurred. This image shows an elbow lesion in a patient with plaque psoriasis.
Multiple pink psoriasis plaques on the face and scalp of a child.
Multiple pink psoriasis plaques on the face and scalp of a child.
Psoriasis can also present with multiple smaller lesions that are widely distributed on the body.
Psoriasis can also present with multiple smaller lesions that are widely distributed on the body.
This image displays the contrast between a nail affected by psoriasis (on the right) and one that is normal (on the left).
This image displays the contrast between a nail affected by psoriasis (on the right) and one that is normal (on the left).
This image displays a separation of the nail from the bed (onycholysis) caused by psoriasis.
This image displays a separation of the nail from the bed (onycholysis) caused by psoriasis.
In addition to pitting of the nail surface, this patient with psoriasis has a yellowish discoloration and separation of the nail plate from the nail bed (onycholysis) of the free edges of the nails.
In addition to pitting of the nail surface, this patient with psoriasis has a yellowish discoloration and separation of the nail plate from the nail bed (onycholysis) of the free edges of the nails.
The sacral and buttocks cleft is a very common location for psoriasis.
The sacral and buttocks cleft is a very common location for psoriasis.
Psoriasis typically has sharp boundaries between normal skin and involved areas.
Psoriasis typically has sharp boundaries between normal skin and involved areas.
The buttocks are a common location for psoriasis.
The buttocks are a common location for psoriasis.
An isolated circular lesion of plaque psoriasis on the knee with compact white scale and red-purple discoloration.
An isolated circular lesion of plaque psoriasis on the knee with compact white scale and red-purple discoloration.
This image shows scaling, thickening, and cracking of the skin in plaque psoriasis affecting the hands and fingers.
This image shows scaling, thickening, and cracking of the skin in plaque psoriasis affecting the hands and fingers.

Images of Plaque Psoriasis (71)

Psoriasis can have large, scaling, slightly elevated lesions. These lesions are usually found near or at the elbow as well as the forearm, knees, legs, scalp, buttocks, and genital areas.
Psoriasis may involve large areas of scaling, such as on the neck and scalp.
These small bumps and slightly elevated lesions have the typical white scale of psoriasis.
This image displays the fine, scaly, slightly elevated lesions in the armpit (axilla) in psoriasis.
In psoriasis, this is a typical elevated lesion with white scale on the knee.
This image displays dry, scaly areas of the scalp typical of psoriasis.
Psoriasis of the ear typically involves the ear canal and appears as redness with white scale.
This image displays psoriasis, which can develop a thick, white scale.
Psoriasis often has white, thick scale that comes off in
Psoriasis can be slightly scaly with bright red, well-demarcated areas.
This image displays scaly, slightly elevated lesions on the lower back and buttocks, typical locations for psoriasis.
Pinkness and scaly skin can cover the soles when psoriasis is on the feet.
This image displays thick, white, scaly skin with redness underneath, typical of psoriasis.
Psoriasis involving the fingernails may cause an irregular nail plate as well as separation of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis). This individual also has psoriasis of the skin around the nail.
Psoriasis typically has bright red or pink circular, scaling patches, which may be seen anywhere on the body.
This image displays pits, roughness, and lifting of the tip of the nail tip typical of psoriasis of the nail.
Psoriasis typically has multiple areas of skin involvement with lesions clustered on or near the knees.
This image displays yellow, lifted nails from onycholysis, which is frequent in psoriasis.

Graphic content

 This image displays psoriasis of the areola and nipple.

Graphic content

 This image displays the scaly redness of the skin typical of psoriasis.

Graphic content

 Psoriasis frequently occurs in the genital area of men and women. Psoriasis is not contagious and is not spread sexually.
Numerous tiny nail pits are common in people with psoriasis.

Graphic content

 The scaling typical of psoriasis is also seen on the genitals.

Graphic content

 This image displays a red, scaly, slightly elevated lesion on the penis.

Graphic content

 This image displays redness and scaly skin due to psoriasis.
This image displays minimal scale with subtle redness due to psoriasis.
Subtle pink, scaly skin lesions of the ear and scalp of a patient with plaque psoriasis.
Subtle pink, scaly skin lesions of the ear and scalp of a patient with plaque psoriasis.
Typical raised, red skin lesions of plaque psoriasis with their characteristic thick white scale. Redness may be subtler in darker skin colors.
This image displays knees affected by psoriasis.
This image displays the thick, white, scaling area typical to psoriasis.
This image displays a nail that is lifting up (onycholysis) due to psoriasis.
This image displays a large, red, scaly, slightly elevated lesion of psoriasis in the armpit.

Graphic content

 Psoriasis is common in the genital region, where the scaling is not as prominent due to moisture in this region.
This image displays a knee affected by psoriasis.
Redness and silver-looking scaling often affect the scalp and hairline with psoriasis.
Psoriasis can be displayed as smaller, scattered patches.
This image displays psoriasis affecting the knees due to excess friction from play and sports.
Redness and thick scaling of the slightly elevated lesions is common with psoriasis.
In darker skinned people, new areas of psoriasis are pink, while older areas are displayed as lighter, flat marks.
This image displays a close-up of the scaly, slightly elevated lesions of psoriasis, which often appear to come off in plates.
This image displays typical slightly elevation lesions of psoriasis with thick, white scale and redness.
Typical redness and scaling of external ear canal psoriasis.
This image displays an extensive case of psoriasis that has been triggered by a strep infection.
This image displays an uneven, pitted nail separated from the nail bed due to psoriasis.
This image displays psoriasis that affects only the patient's palms and soles (palmoplantar psoriasis).
This image displays a forehead and scalp affected by psoriasis.

Graphic content

 Psoriasis often affects the body folds and genitals with bright red patches that are not as scaly as other regions because of the moistness typical of this area.
This image displays a nail affected with psoriasis.
This image displays cracks in the skin of hands typical of psoriasis.
Psoriasis on the bottoms of feet may affect the instep of the sole as well as areas of friction.
This image displays dry, cracked skin typical of psoriasis.
This image displays small pits and discoloration of the nail surface typical of psoriasis of the nail.
Psoriasis may be evident in the nails with multiple tiny, pit-like depressions of the nail plate surface.
Psoriasis frequently is more severe on the buttocks.
When psoriasis involves body fold areas (known as psoriasis inversus), there is not as much scaling due to moisture.
Some patients with plaque psoriasis may develop thinner, raised, pink lesions without the classical thick white scale.
Psoriasis commonly involves areas of the skin where trauma or irritation has occurred. This image shows an elbow lesion in a patient with plaque psoriasis.
Multiple pink psoriasis plaques on the face and scalp of a child.
Psoriasis can also present with multiple smaller lesions that are widely distributed on the body.
This image displays the contrast between a nail affected by psoriasis (on the right) and one that is normal (on the left).
This image displays a separation of the nail from the bed (onycholysis) caused by psoriasis.
In addition to pitting of the nail surface, this patient with psoriasis has a yellowish discoloration and separation of the nail plate from the nail bed (onycholysis) of the free edges of the nails.
The sacral and buttocks cleft is a very common location for psoriasis.
Psoriasis typically has sharp boundaries between normal skin and involved areas.
The buttocks are a common location for psoriasis.
An isolated circular lesion of plaque psoriasis on the knee with compact white scale and red-purple discoloration.
This image shows scaling, thickening, and cracking of the skin in plaque psoriasis affecting the hands and fingers.

Plaque Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common, noncontagious condition that can present in a variety of ways in the skin. The subtypes of this condition include plaque, inverse (or skin fold), guttate, erythrodermic, and pustular psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis, which represents approximately 85% of psoriasis cases, is a lifelong skin condition that affects about 2%-3% of the population worldwide. While the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, this condition is the result of an overactive immune system that attacks the skin and other organs of the body. There is likely a genetic component. Psoriasis can also be triggered by certain environmental causes, such as stress, pregnancy, injury to the skin, bacterial skin infections, smoking or alcohol consumption, and certain medications.

Read More


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Trusted Resources

Treatment: Phototherapy

Treatment: Phototherapy

Phototherapy uses ultraviolet (UV) light under medical supervision to treat certain skin diseases.
The National Psoriasis Foundation

The National Psoriasis Foundation

The mission of the National Psoriasis Foundation is to drive efforts to cure psoriatic disease and improve the lives of those affected.
The American Academy of Dermatology

The American Academy of Dermatology

The AAD is committed to advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair, and nails.


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