How does psoriasis look at first? What does psoriasis look like?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation and scaling of the skin. It can affect different parts of the body, such as the elbows, knees, scalp, nails, and genitals. Psoriasis is not contagious, but it can have a significant impact on your quality of life.

Psoriasis usually starts as small red bumps that grow larger and form scales. The scales may be white, silver, or purple, depending on your skin color. The scales may flake off or stick to your clothes. The skin underneath may be red, dry, cracked, or bleeding. Psoriasis can also cause itching, burning, or soreness.

There are different types of psoriasis, each with its own appearance and symptoms. For example, plaque psoriasis is the most common type and causes thick, scaly patches on the skin. Guttate psoriasis causes small, drop-shaped spots that often appear after a strep infection.

Inverse psoriasis affects the skin folds and causes smooth, red patches without scales. Pustular psoriasis causes pus-filled blisters on the skin. Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare and severe type that covers most of the body with red, peeling skin.