Know the Symptoms of Psoriasis

How do you know the symptoms of psoriasis? Take a look at this information on how the psoriasis skin condition appears on your skin, to learn more about whether you might be having psoriasis symptoms.

Know the Symptoms of Psoriasis

Please remember that if you have any kind of skin condition that is so intense that it keeps you awake at night, or is causing you pain, PLEASE consult with a qualified health professional.

For some people psoriasis as a skin disorder is just a mild annoyance. For others it can be more serious, or even debilitating in very rare cases. Don't let it go too long!

Know the Symptoms of Psoriasis - Redness and Itching

The most common psoriasis symptoms are redness, scaling, itching and burning. The skin can be bright red, and in some cases there is a bluish color to the lower extremities like the legs.

Psoriasis can appear as a rash that covers whole areas of skin, as little round dots, or as larger patches of irritated skin.

In some cases the skin can even peel. In very severe psoriasis cases the skin develops cracking and bleeding around the joints such as knees and elbows.

Psoriasis can develop anywhere on the body, including areas like the armpits where the skin folds. With this type of psoriasis the skin is smooth and bright red.

The psoriasis skin condition often manifests symmetrically, which means that if you develop lesions on your left leg, you also develop them on the right.

Know the Symptoms of Psoriasis - Plaques and Scaling

Another way to know whether you have psoriasis symptoms is whether your skin develops scales or plaques.

When psoriasis develops, the normal cycle of cell growth on the skin is disrupted. This is thought to happen because of a malfunctioning of the immune system.

The cells start forming too fast, so that new skin cells appear in a few days rather than over many weeks. The accumulated skin cells build up on the surface of the skin or the scalp.

The most common psoriasis symptoms are silver scales that appear over the redness on the skin. Sometimes thicker plaques develop especially on the scalp.

One of the ways that psoriasis is diagnosed is to see if tiny droplets of blood appear when you pick at or scrape one of the scales or plaques. I don't recommend you try this at home!

Psoriasis can develop on areas of skin that have been injured, which is why it's much better to see a doctor who knows how to diagnose you without creating more skin damage.

Know the Symptoms of Psoriasis - Pustules or Shedding

Some types of the psoriasis skin condition produce very painful, red, pus filled sores. These usually appear on the hands, feet or fingertips. The sores dry out generally within a few days, but the cycle will repeat itself.

Psoriasis can also create shedding of the skin, which can be a more serious condition, as the skin loses its ability to regular your body temperature. If this starts to happen please see your doctor right away.

With this type of psoriasis symptom you may also feel tired, begin to lose weight, or develop a fever and chills.

Know the Symptoms of Psoriasis - Fingernail Psoriasis Symptoms

Up to half of people who have psoriasis develop symptoms on their fingernails. Fingernail psoriasis can manifest as:

• Thickened nails
• Yellow, brown or discolored nails
• Debris built up under the nails
• Lifting of the nail from the finger

Fingernail psoriasis is more difficult to treat. A holistic, whole body approach to healing psoriasis can help the inflammation in your body and your skin to calm down, which will eventualy reduce the problems both on your skin but your nails.

Know the Symptoms of Psoriasis - Joint Pain

Some people with psoriasis develop joint pain and swelling which is also called psoratic arthritis. Some of the symptoms include:

• Joint pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Tenderness
• Limited range of motion

Psoratic arthritis can develop in any joint including the spine, and the inflammation can also develop in other parts of the body. Be sure to get help from a qualified doctor or health practitioner if you are developing these kinds of symptoms.

Psoriasis Treatment Options

Thankfully, there are some things that you can do to reduce or eliminate your psoriasis symptoms. Your medical doctor, naturopathic doctor or acupuncturist will have some recommendations. A good quality natural skin care remedy for psoriasis can offer new hope for those with sensitive skin who may have difficulty with other types of psoriasis treatments.

There is also a LOT that you can do yourself at home to help your skin to heal. Please see our psoriasis phots page for many gentle and simple psoriasis home remedies.

In addition, there are many people like yourself that have tried their own approaches to overcoming the pain and embarrassment of psoriasis. One of the books I like the best on this subject is Psoriasis Free For Life by Katy Wilson, who suffered with psoriasis for 15 years.

She managed to finally eliminate her psoriasis naturally, and now has written a book about it. Her approach gets to the root of the problem and she's had fantastic success. Visit her website at Psoriasis Free For Life for more information.