This image displays knees affected by psoriasis. This image displays the thick, white, scaling area typical to psoriasis. This image displays dry, scaly areas of the scalp typical of 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. Psoriasis often has white, thick scale that comes off in "plates" when picked, causing bleeding. 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. 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.
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Psoriasis  A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

Picture of Psoriasis: This image displays knees affected by psoriasis. Divider line
This image displays knees affected by psoriasis.
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Signs and Symptoms
Psoriasis usually affects the elbows, knees, buttocks, scalp, and genitals; areas of rubbing or friction are particularly likely to develop lesions.

Red or salmon-red, raised areas often have silvery-white or grayish-white scale. Moist areas (such as body folds) may not be scaly.

People with related arthritis may have swelling and pain in the joints (often fingers or toes) or tendons.

The nails may be affected in psoriasis, causing pitting, "oil spots" (yellowish-brown discoloration of nail plate), and lifting of the nail plate from the nail bed (onycholysis).

Psoriasis can be graded as:
  • Mild – Few, scattered, small areas of involvement
  • Moderate – More widespread disease affecting larger areas, sometimes affecting the joints
  • Severe – Most of the skin surface is affected, sometimes affecting the joints
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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