What does psoriasis look like? The answer to this question is both simple and complex. At first glance, psoriasis is a raised, scale-like skin condition that occurs when your skin cells grow a bit too fast. The body is not prepared to get rid of these new cells, and thus, they build up to form rough patches. However, the symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on the person, the speed of the cell growth and the stage of the condition. The following includes some basic information about the symptoms of psoriasis.

It is important to know that psoriasis can affect nearly any part of the body. After all, if there is skin, there is the possibility that cells that can grow too fast. The most commonly affected areas include your elbows, knees and scalp. Be aware that you can have psoriasis of the nails because your nails are made of skin cells. Called psoriatic arthritis, common symptoms include nails that have turned yellow or orange in color and have developed serious ridges or pitting. Discolored nails combined with them pulling away from the nail bed means that you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

The lesions or patches of skin that form vary in color. Some will be dark red, brown or even purple in appearance whereas others may be white, silver-like or tan in appearance. At first, the skin could look just a bit irritated, almost as if you have a normal case of dry skin. However, in time, the skin will flake and may take on a scale-type appearance. The most common symptom of psoriasis is if the skin is hardening and thickening.

You never know how much of your skin will be affected by psoriasis. Some people may only have a small patch to deal with whereas others may see whole limbs affected by fast-growing skin cells. The symptoms of psoriasis may worsen during colder times of year. In fact, you will find that symptoms tend to clear up when you are in warmer climates, especially if your skin is exposed to direct sunlight.