Redness and silver-looking scaling often affect the scalp and hairline with psoriasis. This image displays the fine, scaly, slightly elevated lesions in the armpit (axilla) in psoriasis. In psoriasis, this is a typical elevated lesion with white scale on the knee. This image displays dry, scaly areas of the scalp typical of psoriasis. This image displays widespread red, scaling slightly elevated lesions involving buttocks and lower extremities from psoriasis. Psoriasis of the ear typically involves the ear canal and appears as redness with white scale. Psoriasis often has white, thick scale that comes off in "plates" when picked, causing bleeding. Psoriasis typically has multiple areas of skin involvement with lesions clustered on or near the knees. This image displays a close-up of the scaly, slightly elevated lesions of psoriasis, which often appear to come off in plates. This image displays typical slightly elevation lesions of psoriasis with thick, white scale and redness. This image displays an extensive case of psoriasis that has been triggered by a strep infection. This image displays an uneven, pitted nail separated from the nail bed due to psoriasis. This image displays the contrast between a nail affected by psoriasis (on the right) and one that is normal (on the left). This image displays knees affected by psoriasis. This image displays a separation of the nail from the bed (onycholysis) caused by psoriasis. This image displays cracks in the skin of hands typical of psoriasis. Psoriasis on the bottoms of feet may affect the instep of the sole as well as areas of friction. Psoriasis may be evident in the nails with multiple tiny, pit-like depressions of the nail plate surface. In addition to pitting of the nail surface, this patient with psoriasis has a yellowish discoloration and separation of the nail plate from the nail bed (onycholysis) of the free edges of the nails.
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Picture of Psoriasis: Redness and silver-looking scaling often affect the scalp and hairline with psoriasis. Divider line
Redness and silver-looking scaling often affect the scalp and hairline with psoriasis.
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Self-Care Guidelines
For mild and moderate psoriasis:  
  • Bathe daily to help remove scale and moisten the skin. Avoid harsh soaps; soap-substitutes are milder for your skin.
  • Apply moisturizers to all scaly psoriasis patches after any water exposure or bathing. Heavier, oilier ones help to retain water in the skin better than lighter moisturizers. 
  • Apply hydrocortisone cream (0.5 or 1%), available over the counter, to help reduce itch and redness.
  • Use coal tar products, available over the counter as a shampoo, oil, gel, or cream. This is an old form of therapy, which can help, but it has a mild odor.
  • Use products with salicylic acid (shampoos, cleansers, and ointments) to help with removal of heavy scale.
  • Follow a healthy diet and stay at the right weight. (Being overweight may make psoriasis worse.)
Small doses of natural sunlight may be helpful, such as 10–15 minutes 2 or 3 times a week. Avoid too much sun, however, and protect your healthy skin from sun exposure.

These measures may also be helpful for people with severe psoriasis, who generally require medical care as well.
When to Seek Medical Care
See your doctor if you have severe psoriasis or if self-care measures are not helpful. Also, see your doctor if your psoriasis worsened or appeared after a sore throat; psoriasis can be triggered by a strep infection.
Last Modified: 29 Jan 2008

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