Psoriasis: Symptoms, Types and Treatment
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, MD
Licensed Physician No. 484814280 · Official Medical College of Bizkaia (Spain)Last reviewed: 5 November 2026
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Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition where the immune system speeds up how fast skin is made. It causes red, scaly patches, mostly on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. It is not contagious, it comes in flare-ups, and there are treatments that work well. This guide is by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, a GP licensed in Spain (Colegiado No. 484814280).
- Psoriasis is not catching and is not caused by poor hygiene.
- The most common type is plaque psoriasis: red, thick, scaly skin that may itch.
- Other types are guttate, inverse, pustular, nail and scalp psoriasis.
- Treatment ranges from moisturisers and creams to light therapy and medicines from a skin specialist.
- If your joints hurt or swell, see a doctor: it may be psoriatic arthritis.
- Red skin over most of the body, with fever or chills, is an emergency.
What is psoriasis and what are the symptoms?
It is an inflammatory condition where skin is renewed much faster than normal. Skin cells build up and form patches (plaques). It can start at any age, most often between 20 and 30 or between 50 and 60. It often runs in families.
- Red, thick patches with clear edges and silvery-white scales.
- Itching, stinging or soreness.
- Dry skin that cracks and may bleed.
- Nails with tiny pits, marks or that lift off.
What types of psoriasis are there?
- Plaque: the most common. Elbows, knees, scalp and lower back.
- Guttate: lots of small spots on the body. Common in children and young adults, often after a sore throat.
- Inverse: in skin folds such as the armpits, groin or under the breasts. Smooth and red, with no scales.
- Scalp: often mistaken for dandruff, but the patches are thicker and reach the hairline.
- Nail: affects the nails.
- Pustular and erythrodermic: rare, severe types that need care fast.
Is psoriasis contagious?
No. You cannot catch it by touch, in a pool or by sharing things. It is not caused by poor hygiene either.
What makes psoriasis worse?
- Stress.
- Infections, such as a sore throat.
- Cuts, scratches or rubbing on the skin.
- Smoking and alcohol.
- Being overweight.
- Some medicines. Do not stop any without talking to your doctor first.
- Cold, dry air. Many people get better with some sun, without burning.
How is psoriasis treated?
There is no cure, but it can be well controlled. Treatment depends on how much skin is affected and how it affects your life:
- Daily moisturising with emollients. This is the base of everything.
- Creams or ointments with a steroid, a vitamin D-like medicine, or both.
- Medicated shampoos for the scalp.
- Light therapy in hospital.
- Tablets or injections, including biologics, prescribed and checked by a skin specialist (dermatologist).
The doctor or the leaflet sets the dose; ask your pharmacist. In Spain, ask the farmacia for an emoliente (emollient). Psoriasis is also linked to a higher risk of heart disease and low mood, so it is worth checking your blood pressure, cholesterol and how you feel.
What is psoriatic arthritis?
It is joint inflammation that affects some people with psoriasis. It can start years after the skin, or even before it.
- Pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints, mostly in the morning.
- A whole finger or toe swollen like a sausage (dactylitis).
- Pain in the heel or the sole of the foot.
- Low back pain that eases when you move.
Nail psoriasis raises the risk. See a doctor early: treating it in time protects the joints. A rheumatologist usually manages it with the dermatologist. Read about psoriatic arthritis follow-up in Spain.
How do I track my psoriasis between visits?
Photos taken in the same light, every few weeks, make it much easier to see if a treatment works. See our guide to preparing follow-up photos.
When should I go to A&E or call 112?
- Red, inflamed skin over most of the body, with fever, chills or feeling unwell.
- Many pus spots that appear suddenly, with fever.
- A hot, red, very painful joint with fever.
If you also find it hard to breathe or feel confused, call 112.
Frequently asked questions about psoriasis
Can psoriasis be cured?
There is no cure, but today's treatments control the skin well in most people.
What is the difference between psoriasis and eczema?
Psoriasis forms thick patches with clear edges and scales, often on the elbows and knees. Eczema is usually less defined, very itchy and found in skin folds.
Does the sun help psoriasis?
For many people, yes, with short spells and no burning. Sunburn can make it worse.
Is psoriasis inherited?
It runs in families, but not every child of a parent with psoriasis will get it.
Can psoriasis be followed up by video?
Yes. With good light and follow-up photos, a doctor can assess flare-ups and adjust creams, or refer you to a dermatologist.
Getting a medical assessment
If you are in Spain and you have patches on your skin or a psoriasis flare, you can book a video consultation with Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, a physician registered in Spain. You can also read about eczema and inflamed skin and joint pain. A prescription is never guaranteed: it is issued only where clinically appropriate after a genuine evaluation, as a private electronic prescription under Spanish law. This service is for urgent, non-emergency care. In an emergency, call 112.
This guide is general information. It does not replace the package leaflet or the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
Sources
This content is written and reviewed by a licensed physician with reference to the following sources.
