How does psoriasis start? What does psoriasis look like when it first starts?

Psoriasis starts when your immune system mistakenly attacks your healthy skin cells, causing them to multiply faster than they can shed. This leads to a buildup of skin cells on the surface of your skin, forming thick, scaly patches called plaques.

Psoriasis is thought to be a genetic condition, meaning that you inherit a tendency to develop it from your parents. However, not everyone who has the genes for psoriasis will develop the condition. Environmental factors such as infections, stress, or injuries can trigger or worsen psoriasis in some people.

Psoriasis can look different depending on the type and severity of the condition. The most common type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, which causes red or purple patches with silvery scales on your skin. These patches can be itchy, painful, or bleed. They can range from small spots to large areas of your body.

Another type of psoriasis is guttate psoriasis, which causes small pink or violet spots on your torso, arms, or legs. These spots are usually not thick or raised like plaques. Other types of psoriasis include inverse psoriasis, which affects the skin folds of the groin, buttocks, and breasts; pustular psoriasis, which causes pus-filled blisters; and erythrodermic psoriasis, which covers most of your body with a red, peeling rash.

If you think you have psoriasis or notice any changes in your skin, you should see a dermatologist for a diagnosis and treatment. Psoriasis can affect your quality of life and increase your risk of other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression.