Victorian Government website (Victoria - the Place to Be)

Psoriasis explained

Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin condition. It causes red, scaly patches to develop on the skin. These areas are most common on the scalp, elbows and knees, but can occur on any areas of the body. Skin affected by psoriasis grows much quicker than normal skin. There is no cure for psoriasis but it can be controlled with treatment.

A variety of physical effects
Symptoms of psoriasis vary from person to person. The effects may include:

  • Red scaly patches on scalp, elbows, knees and other parts of the body
  • Itchiness - however, many people do not feel itchy at all
  • Shedding of scales of skin.
Types of psoriasis
  • Plaque psoriasis - most common form
  • Guttate psoriasis - found mostly in children
  • Flexural psoriasis - affects body folds and genital area
  • Erythrodermic psoriasis - severe form requiring hospitalisation
  • Napkin psoriasis.
  • Pustular psoriasis - a more severe form of psoriasis which can be painful.
Psoriasis can cause arthritis
For an unknown reason, psoriasis can cause a form of arthritis known as psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms include:
  • Discomfort, throbbing or swelling in one or many joints
  • Tenderness in any joint
  • Pain caused by inflammation in the joints which stimulates nerve endings.
The joints that are most likely to be affected are:
  • The last joint in the fingers or toes
  • Sacrum (lower back), wrists, knees or ankles.
Causes are unknown
The cause of psoriasis is unknown; however it’s likely that a tendency to psoriasis is inherited because it seems to run in families.

Shocks and infections can trigger attacks
An accident, nervous shock, streptococcal throat or a bacterial, viral or fungal skin infection can make psoriasis appear.

Creams and medicines can relieve symptoms

Moisturising
It is very important to keep your skin moisturised as dry skin can lead to scratching. You should:
  • Use a soap substitute
  • Use protective gloves
  • Keep fingernails and toenails short to prevent damage to the skin from scratching.
Medicines and creams
Doctors may prescribe a range of treatments including:
  • Medications such as Methotrexate, Neotigason, Cyclosporin and Calcipotriol
  • Ultraviolet light and PUVA Phototherapy
  • Coal tar preparations, cortisone and other emollients.
Where to get help
  • Your doctor
  • A specialist dermatologist (your doctor can refer you)
  • Psoriasis Australia Inc.
Things to remember
  • Psoriasis is not contagious
  • There is no known cure for psoriasis - but it can be controlled with treatment.

    Related articles:

Chinese herbal medicine.
Dandruff and itching scalp.


This page has been sourced from the Better Health Channel and produced in consultation with, and approved by the following sponsor. The sponsor logo links to more information relevant to this article.

Psoriasis

Print a fact sheet

To print a fact sheet, open the PDF (Portable Document Format) version of this article. The PDF has been prepared by the Better Health Channel. You will need Adobe Acrobat or a recent-version browser to display the file. You can download Adobe Acrobat from the Adobe website.

Print a fact sheet Psoriasis explained fact sheet in PDF format.

Article publication date: 25/05/1999
Last reviewed: 30/06/2008

Quality assurance

This article, like all health articles on the Disability Online, is sourced from Better Health Channel and has passed through a rigorous and exhaustive approval process. It is also regularly updated. For more information see Better Health Channel quality assurance page.


Return to top.