Psoriasis Symptoms
Psoriasis symptoms are easy to distinguish. The following 3 main signs make up the so-called "Psoriatic Triad":
- Bright pink to red lesions covered with thick white scales. The lesions have distinct edges. The scales can be easily removed by scraping.
- If you remove the scales, you will see reddish, moist and tender skin underneath.
- If you keep scraping, you will see small droplets of blood (point hemorrhage).
Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the skin, but its "favorite" locations are: the knee and elbow bends, arms, legs, scalp, genital areas, and nails.
Psoriasis is often symmetrical (e.g., two arms, elbows, ears, etc.), and lesions often have similar shapes.
The plaques may be surrounded by a pink rim (for instance, after taking a bath). The skin around the plaques usually does not change visually.
Even when psoriasis disappears everywhere on the body, the plaques often remain on the elbows, knees, and scalp.
Psoriasis Symptoms vary depending on:
- Psoriasis Types (Plaque, Guttate, Inverse, Pustular, Erythrodermic, and Psoriatic Arthritis)
- Psoriasis Locations (Scalp, Nail, Face, Palmoplantar, Genital, Skin Folds, and Mucous Membranes)
- Psoriasis Stage (Early, Progressive, Stationary, and Regressive)
Psoriasis Symptoms by Stage
Early Symptoms of Psoriasis
Psoriasis usually begins with small pink papules, which are covered with fine white scales. These papules start merging into plaques, which is usually accompanied by itching.
Progressive Stage Psoriasis Symptoms
In this stage, smaller plaques grow into larger ones, and merge with one another. They keep itching. During this stage, many patients experience the Koebner phenomenon: in case of skin injury (tattoo, piercing, cuts, nicks, etc.), psoriasis may affect the damaged skin. The reason for Koebner phenomenon is unknown. This type of skin reaction was first discovered and described by the German doctor Heinrich Koebner in 1872.
Stationary Stage Psoriasis Symptoms
This stage usually begins a few weeks after the progressive stage. The old lesions are covered with very thick white scales, but new lesions do not appear.
Regressive Stage Psoriasis Symptoms
This "stage" usually happens when you start treating psoriasis; however, some lucky people can see this type of remission without any treatment. The plaques stop growing; they flatten and turn pale. The scaling decreases. The lesions gradually decrease in size and disappear, leaving discoloration on the skin.
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