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. This image displays widespread red, scaling slightly elevated lesions involving buttocks and lower extremities from 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 "plates" when picked, causing bleeding. 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. Numerous tiny nail pits are common in people with psoriasis. This image displays minimal scale with subtle redness due to psoriasis.
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Psoriasis  Information for adults

Picture of Psoriasis: 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. Divider line
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.
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Self-Care Guidelines
Because psoriasis is a lifelong condition for which there is currently no cure, the goal of therapy is to decrease the number of lesions and improve symptoms, such as itching and irritation.
  • Bathe daily to help remove scale and moisten the skin. Avoid harsh soaps; soap substitutes are milder for your skin.
  • Apply moisturizers to all scaly psoriasis patches after any water exposure or bathing. Heavier oil-based moisturizers help to retain water in the skin better than water-based moisturizers.
  • Apply hydrocortisone cream (0.5 or 1%), available over the counter, to help reduce itch and redness.
  • Use products with salicylic acid (shampoos, cleansers, and ointments) to help soften and remove heavy scale.
  • Small doses of natural sunlight may be helpful, such as 10–15 minutes 2 or 3 times a week. Avoid too much sun, however, and protect your healthy skin from sun exposure.
There is also an increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer and lymphoma in people with psoriasis. For this reason, monthly skin self-exams and regular visits to your doctor are important.

The National Psoriasis Foundation is a useful resource that has additional information on treating your psoriasis. Their Web site is http://www.psoriasis.org/.
When to Seek Medical Care
See your doctor if you have severe psoriasis or if self-care measures are not helpful.
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Last Modified: 20 Feb 2009
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