Psoriasis Basics: Symptoms, Triggers and Treatment Options From Creams to New Pills

Written by Naurah Gaspard, DNP, FNP-C, FNP-BC · Medically reviewed by Cherlie Joseph, MSN, FNP-BC · Updated November 2026

Psoriasis is a long-term immune condition that speeds up skin cell growth, causing thick, well-defined, scaly patches called plaques, most often on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. It is not contagious. Mild psoriasis is usually controlled with prescription creams, and moderate to severe psoriasis now has many effective options, including injections and newer once-daily pills.

What psoriasis looks like

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type. Plaques are raised and sharply outlined, with silvery-white scale. They look pink or red on lighter skin and purple, dark brown or gray on darker skin. They can itch, burn or crack. Other types include:

• Scalp psoriasis: thick scale that can extend past the hairline; often mistaken for dandruff.
• Guttate psoriasis: many small drop-shaped spots, often after strep throat.
• Inverse psoriasis: smooth, shiny patches in skin folds like the armpits, groin and under the breasts.
• Nail psoriasis: pitting, ridges, yellowing or nails lifting off the nail bed.
• Pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis: rare, severe forms that need urgent care.

Psoriasis can look like eczema, ringworm or seborrheic dermatitis. Our rash identifier guide and eczema guide explain the differences.

Common triggers

• Stress, one of the most common flare triggers
• Infections, especially strep throat
• Skin injury: cuts, scratches, tattoos or sunburn can cause new plaques in that spot
• Smoking and heavy drinking
• Certain medicines, such as lithium, some blood pressure medicines (beta-blockers) and stopping oral steroids suddenly
• Weight gain, which is linked to more severe psoriasis
• Dry, cold air; many Floridians notice that sun helps, but sunburn makes it worse

Psoriasis is more than skin deep

Psoriasis is driven by inflammation throughout the body, so it is linked to other health problems:

• Psoriatic arthritis. A significant share of people with psoriasis develop joint inflammation. Warning signs are morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, a swollen "sausage" finger or toe, heel pain and back pain that improves with movement. Early treatment protects joints from permanent damage.
• Heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Risk is higher, especially with more severe psoriasis, so regular checks of blood pressure, cholesterol and A1c matter.
• Depression and anxiety. Common and worth raising with your provider.

Treatment options compared

Type	Examples	Typically used for
Topical creams, ointments, foams	Steroids, calcipotriene (vitamin D), combination products, tazarotene, roflumilast (Zoryve), tapinarof (Vtama)	Mild psoriasis or limited areas; add-on for others
Scalp treatments	Salicylic acid or coal tar shampoo, steroid solutions or foams	Scalp scale and itch
Phototherapy	Narrowband UVB in a clinic, 2 to 3 times a week	Widespread psoriasis
Oral medicines	Methotrexate, apremilast (Otezla), deucravacitinib (Sotyktu), icotrokinra (Icotyde)	Moderate to severe psoriasis
Biologic injections	TNF, IL-17 and IL-23 blockers, including biosimilars	Moderate to severe psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis

In March 2026, FDA approved icotrokinra (Icotyde), a once-daily pill that blocks the IL-23 receptor, for adults and children 12 and older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. In its main trial, 65% of people taking it had clear or almost clear skin at 16 weeks, compared with 8% on placebo.

Systemic treatments are usually started by a dermatologist and need screening and follow-up. Many are expensive without insurance; ask about manufacturer savings programs, and know that prices and coverage change.

Daily habits that help

• Moisturize thick plaques daily with a heavy cream or ointment, especially after bathing.
• Soften scale with salicylic acid products before applying medicine; do not pick scale off.
• Get short, careful sun exposure if your provider agrees, and always avoid sunburn.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol.
• If you have excess weight, even modest weight loss can improve psoriasis and how well treatment works.

Frequently asked questions

Is psoriasis contagious?

No. Psoriasis is an immune condition, not an infection. You cannot catch it or spread it by touch.

What is the difference between psoriasis and eczema?

Psoriasis usually forms thick, sharply outlined plaques with silvery scale on elbows, knees and scalp. Eczema tends to be drier, less defined and itchier, often in skin creases. A provider can help tell them apart.

Can psoriasis go away?

There is no cure, but many people reach clear or nearly clear skin with treatment and have long periods without flares.

Sources

• NIAMS (NIH): Psoriasis
• American Academy of Dermatology: Psoriasis
• HCPLive: Icotrokinra receives FDA approval for psoriasis, March 2026

Keep reading

• Eczema in adults
• Rash identifier guide
• Shingles symptoms and treatment
• Browse all conditions and treatments A to Z

This article is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Treatment, including any prescription, is decided by a licensed provider after reviewing your health history. OurTopClinic is not for emergencies; if you have a medical emergency, call 911. OurTopClinic serves adults located in Florida, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington. Learn more at ourtopclinic.com.