ICD-10: L40Skin & Subcutaneous DiseasesGeneral Severity
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that causes your skin cells to grow too fast, leading to thick, red, scaly patches.
Need Clinical Guidance?
Connect with verified specialists experienced in managing conditions related to Skin & Subcutaneous Diseases.
Find DermatologistsClinical Overview
Psoriasis happens when your immune system, which is your body's defense against germs, gets confused and starts working too quickly. Normally, your skin takes about a month to renew itself, but with psoriasis, this process happens in just a few days.
This causes skin cells to pile up on the surface of your skin instead of shedding away normally. It most commonly appears on your elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, though it can show up anywhere on your body.
Common Symptoms
- Raised, red patches of skin that look thick and rough.
- Silvery-white flakes or scales on top of the red patches.
- Dry, cracked skin that may bleed or itch.
- Small scaling spots that look like drops of water.
- Thickened or pitted fingernails and toenails.
- Stiff, swollen, or painful joints.