Other Symptoms of Psoriasis Besides the Skin
Psoriasis is a common chronic skin disorder which usually causes thick silvery scales and itchy, dry red patches. Severity can range from mild to disfiguring and even disabling. Some other symptoms besides skin problems are possible.
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Plaque Psoriasis
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The most common type of psoriasis, plaque psoriasis, causes the characteristic dry, scaly skin patches called plaques. These plaques can also appear on the soft tissue inside the mouth.
Nail Psoriasis
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Plaque psoriasis can affect the nails, and additionally, a specific type of psoriasis exists called nail psoriasis. Effects on the toenails and fingernails can include pitting and holes, brown or yellow discoloration, thickening and lifting up from the base. Severe cases may involve crumbling nails.
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Psoriatic Arthritis
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According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 30 percent of psoriasis patients develop psoriatic arthritis. This condition causes swollen, stiff, painful joints and progressive joint damage.
Psoriatic Arthritis Specifics
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Psoriatic arthritis typically affects the knees, ankles and feet, but it can occur in any joint. Most people experience asymmetrical symptoms. These symptoms affect joints on one side of the body only, or different joints on each side.
Eye Conditions
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Patients with psoriatic arthritis also may develop the symptom of inflammatory eye conditions, including conjunctivitis (pinkeye).
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