Early Signs of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a condition in which skin cells grow too quickly and accumulate on the skin, forming scaly patches and lesions. This is caused by the body's immune system signaling the cells to overproduce, forming in days what should take weeks to produce. There are several early warning signs of psoriasis.

Types of Psoriasis

Approximately 80 percent of people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis. Other types of the skin condition include inverse, guttate, nail, scalp, pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis.

Skin

Signs of psoriasis include red, scaly patches of skin that can affect a few areas or cover large portions of the body. Small, scaly spots are common symptoms among children.

Plaque

Psoriasis symptoms from plaque include skin inflammation, red lesions that are often raised and silvery-white scales.

Joint Pain

Psoriasis symptoms include joint pain, swelling and stiffness. You may also have neck and back pain and stiffness that limits your ability to move.

Nails

Psoriasis can also affect the fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, crumbling and abnormal growth and discoloration. The nails may also become thick and loose, separating from the nail bed.

References

• Psoriasis Net
• Mayo Clinic: Psoriasis
• UAB Medicine