Dermatology, by video or in person
Psoriasis
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Psoriasis
- Raised, thick patches with silvery or white scale
- Patches that look red on lighter skin and purple, brown or grey on darker skin
- Itching, soreness or cracking of the patches
- A scaly scalp that can be mistaken for dandruff
- Pitted, thickened or discoloured nails, or nails lifting off the nail bed
Psoriasis is a long-term condition of the immune system that makes skin cells build up too quickly, forming raised patches covered in silvery scale. It often affects the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, and it can affect the nails. On brown and black skin the patches often look purple, dark brown or grey rather than red, and they can leave darker or lighter marks after they clear. It comes and goes, with flares set off by stress, infections such as a sore throat, some medicines, alcohol, smoking and injury to the skin. It is not contagious. Some people also develop psoriatic arthritis, with painful, swollen joints. There is no cure, but treatment controls it well for most people.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Raised, thick patches with silvery or white scale
- Patches that look red on lighter skin and purple, brown or grey on darker skin
- Itching, soreness or cracking of the patches
- A scaly scalp that can be mistaken for dandruff
- Pitted, thickened or discoloured nails, or nails lifting off the nail bed
- Painful, stiff or swollen joints
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital now if most of your skin becomes red, hot, peeling or painful, especially with fever, chills or feeling unwell, because this can be a serious flare called erythrodermic psoriasis; or if skin is covered in pus-filled spots with a fever. See a dermatologist if you think you have psoriasis, if creams are not controlling it, if it affects your face, hands, feet or genitals, or if your joints are painful or swollen.
Treatment options
- Moisturisers used every day to soften scale and reduce itching
- Steroid creams and vitamin D creams, often combined
- Medicated shampoos and scalp treatments
- Light treatment (phototherapy) for widespread psoriasis
- Tablets or injections that calm the immune system, for severe psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis
- Reducing triggers: stopping smoking, cutting down alcohol, managing stress
Common Questions
Is psoriasis contagious?
No. You cannot catch psoriasis from someone or pass it on by touch.
Is psoriasis linked to other health problems?
It can be. People with psoriasis have a higher chance of joint problems, heart disease, diabetes and depression, so your doctor may check your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol as well as your skin.
Can psoriasis be treated by video?
Usually, yes. A dermatologist can see the patches on camera, plan creams and decide whether stronger treatment is needed. Starting tablets or injections may need blood tests first.
Need Help?
A skin specialist on a video call, who looks at the skin on camera, plans treatment and tells you if it needs to be seen in person.
See a dermatologist by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified dermatology specialist near you.
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