
The symptoms are rough, dry, thick areas of skin. Often the skin under the plaques is slightly red. The skin may or may not itch.
Most psoriasis occurs in patches. Sometimes, however, it appears as many small, droplike, scaly areas. This is called guttate or raindrop psoriasis and it often occurs on the back.
Psoriasis can affect your fingernails and toenails, causing them to have pits or dents in them. In severe cases the nails become thick and misshapen.
A few people also have arthritis or joint pain with psoriasis.
The symptoms of psoriasis can vary from mild to severe. They may worsen when you are upset, sick, or injured. Flare-ups of the problem may also occur when:
The severity of the symptoms may change with the seasons. Psoriasis usually gets better when you spend more time out in the sun.