The 5 most common symptoms of psoriasis include:

1)   Rashes or patches of red, inflamed skin, often covered with loose, silver-colored scales; in severe cases, the plaques will grow and merge into one another, covering large areas.
2)   Itchy, painful skin that can crack or bleed
3)  Small areas of bleeding where the involved skin is scratched
4)  Problems with your fingernails and toenails, including discoloration and pitting; the nails may also begin to crumble or detach from the nail bed.
5)  Scaly plaques on the scalp

Psoriasis can also be associated with psoriatic arthritis, which causes achy, swollen joints. Between 10% and 30% of people with psoriasis also have this painful joint condition.

There are several types of psoriasis, including:

• Plaque psoriasis. The most common form, plaque psoriasis causes dry, raised, red skin patches (lesions) covered with silvery scales. The plaques might be itchy or tender, and there may be few or many. They usually appear on elbows, knees, lower back and scalp.
• Nail psoriasis. Psoriasis can affect fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth and discoloration. Psoriatic nails might loosen and separate from the nail bed (onycholysis). Severe cases may cause the nail to crumble.
• Guttate psoriasis. This type primarily affects young adults and children. It’s usually triggered by a bacterial infection such as strep throat. It’s marked by small, drop-shaped, scaling lesions on the trunk, arms or legs.
• Inverse psoriasis. This mainly affects the skin folds of the groin, buttocks and breasts. Inverse psoriasis causes smooth patches of red skin that worsen with friction and sweating. Fungal infections may trigger this type of psoriasis.
• Pustular psoriasis. This rare form of psoriasis causes clearly defined pus-filled lesions that occur in widespread patches (generalized pustular psoriasis) or in smaller areas on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis. The least common type of psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis can cover your entire body with a red, peeling rash that can itch or burn intensely.
• Psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis causes swollen, painful joints that are typical of arthritis. Sometimes the joint symptoms are the first or only symptom or sign of psoriasis. And at times only nail changes are seen. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint. It can cause stiffness and progressive joint damage that in the most serious cases may lead to permanent joint damage.

When to see a doctor

If you suspect that you may have psoriasis, see your doctor. Also, talk to your doctor if your psoriasis:

• Becomes severe or widespread
• Causes you discomfort and pain
• Causes you concern about the appearance of your skin
• Leads to joint problems, such as pain, swelling or inability to perform daily tasks
• Doesn’t improve with treatment

This case is of man in his 30s with a huge psoriasis spot on his back since last 7-8 years. there were also small spots in other places. these spots only remained on off but never cleared off completely.

After detailed case taking started his treatment. within 5 months of continued treatment he finally had a clean and clear skin. 🙂 So happy to see him happy and back to health !