Dry, itchy, sore, flaky patches on the elbows, knees or scalp that look like silvery-white scales may be psoriasis. The UK National Health Service (NHS) says psoriasis is caused by the skin making more skin cells than usual; why isn’t known, but it’s thought to be a problem with the immune system. Patches are usually 1 to 2cm, and while it can start at any age, symptoms often begin between 15 and 25, or 50 and 60. It is not contagious. Here are the symptoms, the rare signs that need 999, treatment and triggers from the NHS psoriasis page.
1. Dry, itchy, sore 1 to 2cm flaky patches like silvery-white scales. Common on the scalp and behind the ears, chest, tummy, back, bottom, elbows, knees and lower legs.
2. Treatment: vitamin D creams, moisturisers (emollients), steroid creams, coal tar — light therapy and medicines if severe.
3. Skin quickly turning red with white pus-filled bumps that join: 999 or A&E. Psoriasis isn’t contagious.
Symptoms — NHS
| Type | What the NHS says | Worth noting (ours) |
|---|---|---|
| Main symptom | Dry, itchy, sore, flaky patches that look like silvery-white scales | — |
| Size and shape | Usually 1 to 2cm, oval or irregular | — |
| Colour | Pink or red on white skin, turning silvery-white, sometimes waxy yellow or orange-brown; grey on brown or black skin, leaving dark marks after | Looks different by skin tone |
| Spread | Most get a few patches; some get them over large areas. Small brown and yellow spots on palms and soles | — |
| Nails | Nail surfaces can have dents and pits | — |
| Age | Any age, but often starts at 15 to 25, or 50 to 60 | — |
| Pattern | Times of worse symptoms (flare-ups) and times of better | — |
Common places are the head and behind the ears, chest, tummy and back, bottom, forearms and elbows, lower legs and knees, and also skin folds such as the groin, genitals and under the breasts, says the NHS. Some people develop psoriatic arthritis, which inflames the joints, as they get older.
When to get help — NHS
| Situation | NHS advice | Worth noting (ours) |
|---|---|---|
| Symptoms of psoriasis | See a GP | In Korea, a dermatology clinic |
| Treatment not working or causing side effects | See a GP | — |
| Psoriasis with joint pain, stiffness and swelling that keeps coming back | See a GP | Checks for psoriatic arthritis |
| Skin quickly turns red with white pus-filled bumps that join together | 999 or A&E | 119 or an emergency room in Korea |
| Patches on the feet turn yellow-brown and fill with pus | 999 or A&E | — |
| Red, scaly pus-filled bumps on finger and toe tips | 999 or A&E | — |
These can be signs of a more serious condition or an infection, possibly with a fast heartbeat, high temperature, or feeling hot, cold or shivery, says the NHS. Don’t drive yourself; bring any medicines you take.
Treatment — NHS
Treatment depends on the type, severity and location of the psoriasis, and you may need a combination.
| Type | What the NHS says | Worth noting (ours) |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin D | Vitamin D creams, lotions, ointments and gels | Applied to skin, not a supplement |
| Emollients | Moisturising creams for skin and for washing | — |
| Steroids | Steroid creams, lotions or gels | — |
| Other | Skin or scalp treatments such as coal tar | — |
| If severe | Light therapy and medicines | May mean a dermatologist referral |
A GP can prescribe some treatments or refer you to a dermatologist, and if psoriasis affects your mental health you may be referred to a mental health specialist.
Causes and triggers — NHS
You’re more likely to have it if a family member does. Triggers that can make it worse or cause a flare-up include:
- Stress, alcohol or smoking, living with obesity
- Pregnancy, certain medicines
- Infections such as strep A and HIV
- Cuts, scratches or grazes
- Sunlight
Strep A infections are covered in Strep A.
Things to do and avoid — NHS
| Type | What the NHS says | Worth noting (ours) |
|---|---|---|
| Do | Avoid triggers, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, reduce stress, drink less, stop smoking | — |
| Don’t | Share your emollients | — |
| Don’t | Put fingers into the pot — use a spoon, spatula or pump | Keeps the pot clean |
| Don’t | Smoke or go near naked flames if you use an emollient — clothing and bedding with emollient on burn more easily | Heaters and gas hobs in winter too (ours) |
Complications and pregnancy — NHS
Psoriasis raises the chance of other health issues, so you’ll have regular check-ups: psoriatic arthritis, metabolic syndrome (which can lead to diabetes, cardiovascular disease and DVT) and inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s. If planning a baby or pregnant, treatment may need changing as some medicines can be harmful, and pregnancy can make symptoms worse.
Checklist
- ☐ 1 to 2cm silvery scaly patches: see a GP or dermatologist
- ☐ Recurring joint pain and swelling: mention it
- ☐ Rapid redness, spreading pus bumps, fever: emergency (119 in Korea)
- ☐ Emollients: your own, spoon or pump, away from flames
- ☐ Cut down stress, alcohol, smoking and skin injuries — it isn’t catching
Questions that remain
Is it the same as eczema?
This page describes psoriasis as an immune-related overproduction of skin cells. Eczema is covered separately in atopic eczema; get the difference checked by a doctor.
Can I catch it?
No. The NHS says psoriasis is not contagious, so you cannot catch it or spread it.
Sources
- NHS — Psoriasis — source (page shows: reviewed 10 March 2026, next review due 10 March 2029; checked 2 November 2026). Symptoms, sites and age of onset, GP and 999 criteria, treatment, causes and triggers, do and don’t (emollient fire risk), complications, pregnancy, support (UK charities Psoriasis UK and PAPAA — contact details not reproduced).
- Not read. Psoriasis UK treatment detail, the psoriatic arthritis page, Korean psoriasis guidance.
- What we added. The “worth noting” column and the Korean care gloss.
Where to check further
- A dermatologist — type and treatment.
- A rheumatologist — if joints are involved.
Written on 2 November 2026. The content is from the NHS; the glosses are ours.
