Signs Your Skin Problems Are Actually Psoriasis
In this video, a dermatologist discusses what differentiates psoriasis symptoms from other common skin issues.
While many people have experienced a skin issue or two in their lifetime — a random acne breakout, an itchy rash from too-tight pants, or even a funky lookin’ yellow toenail — most of us don’t automatically think of psoriasis when something out of the norm crops up. “Often times patients will come into the office with a skin rash and not know what’s going on,” says Suzanne Friedler, MD, a dermatologist in New York City.
Psoriasis is a chronic disease that develops when a person’s skin cells grow too quickly (they form in days rather than weeks) due to faulty signals from the immune system. The body doesn’t shed these cells, so they pile up on the surface of the skin which causes patches of psoriasis to appear. Learn more in Psoriasis: Your GoodRx Guide.
- Suzanne Friedler, MDDr. Friedler is a dermatologist and clinical instructor at The Mount Sinai Hospital and St. John's Episcopal Hospital.
References
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Scalp psoriasis: Signs and symptoms.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Psoriasis.
National Psoriasis Foundation. (2021). About psoriasis.
U.S. National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus. (2016). Athlete’s foot.
U.S. National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus. (2021). Jock itch.
