Psoriasis symptoms and skin changes

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition caused by changes in the immune system that lead to skin cells regenerating faster than normal. The condition typically manifests through several key symptoms.

Common indicators include thick, raised skin plaques covered with silvery-white scales, often accompanied by dryness and itching. The condition can also affect the scalp, causing redness, thickening, and dandruff-like flaking that may spread to the forehead, ears, or neck.

Additionally, psoriasis can impact the nails, resulting in small pits, discoloration (white or yellow), and thickening. While symptoms like redness and dryness are more prominent on lighter skin tones, they may appear as purplish or dark brown tones on darker skin. Because symptoms vary by individual and location, a professional dermatological diagnosis is necessary.