Scalp
Elbows, knees,
and trunk
Genital area
Face
Hands and nails
back to top
Psoriasis often causes plaques on the outside of the elbows, knees, or both. It may also cause plaques on the trunk of the body, particularly the lower back and around the belly button.
A doctor may recommend OTC or prescription treatments. It may also help to moisturize the skin, wear soft and breathable clothing, and avoid skin care and laundry products that contain fragrances or other common irritants.
Elbows, knees, and trunk
Psoriasis often affects the scalp, where it may cause powdery silvery scales that look like dandruff or crusty plaques that cover the whole scalp.
A doctor may recommend treatment with OTC shampoos or other topical products that contain salicylic acid, coal tar, or pine tar. Alternatively, they may prescribe topical therapies, oral or injected medication, or phototherapy.
Scalp
Around 50% of people with psoriasis develop plaques on their face, such as on the forehead, around the eyebrows, or between the nose and lip. Psoriasis less commonly affects areas around the ears, eyes, or mouth.
Doctors often recommend prescription treatments for psoriasis on the face. Some people choose to cover symptoms with makeup or other cosmetic products. A doctor can help them learn which cosmetics are safe.
Face
Up to two-thirds of people with psoriasis develop symptoms in the genital area. The symptoms may affect the vulva, penis, scrotum, skin above the genitals, creases between the thighs and genitals, or inner and upper thighs.
A doctor will likely recommend topical therapy to treat symptoms in the genital area. Applying treatments to thin skin around the genitals can cause side effects, so it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully.
Genital area
Hands and nails
of the most
common places for psoriasis plaques
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2
1
nail thickening
Nail psoriasis usually affects several fingers, toes, or both, but is more common on the fingernails than the toenails. Symptoms may include:
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1
Researchers estimate that 12–16% of people with psoriasis develop skin symptoms on their hands or feet. It may cause dry, discolored, and thickened patches, as well as deep cracks in the skin.
A doctor may prescribe a combination of topical therapies, oral or injected medication, or phototherapy to treat psoriasis on the hands or feet. OTC topical treatments and moisturizers
may also help relieve symptoms.
nail discoloration
changes in the shape of the nail
separation of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis)
shallow or deep holes in the nail (pitting)
