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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Signs and Symptoms
The typical lesions of psoriasis are red, raised patches that often have a silver or grey scale on top of them. These patches are frequently seen on the elbows, knees, back, buttocks, and scalp, and they are usually seen on both sides of the body. Areas of rubbing or friction are particularly likely to develop psoriasis lesions. Most people also experience itching, but some may not. 

Psoriasis can be graded as:
  • Mild – Few, scattered, small areas of involvement (about two-thirds of people have mild disease)
  • Moderate – More widespread disease affecting larger areas, sometimes affecting the joints
  • Severe – Most of the skin surface is affected, sometimes affecting the joints
The nails may also be affected in psoriasis. There may be tiny pits or indentations, yellow-brown spots, and lifting up of the nail from the finger underneath (onycholysis).
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Last Modified: 20 Feb 2009
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