Psoriasis (Except for Pustular Psoriasis) Quiz

Q.

Is plaque psoriasis contagious?

A.

Plaque psoriasis is not contagious—you can’t catch it from touch, sharing items, or close contact, because it’s an autoimmune, genetic condition rather than an infection. There are several factors to consider for managing symptoms and flares (like stress, infections, medications, and skin injury) and knowing when to seek care; see below for important details that could affect your next steps.

Q.

Is red scaly rash psoriasis or fungal infection?

A.

There are several factors to consider—see below to understand more. Thick, well-demarcated silvery plaques that are symmetric on elbows/knees/scalp (often with nail pitting or joint pain) point to psoriasis, while an intensely itchy, ring-shaped rash with central clearing—often on feet or in the groin—suggests a fungal infection; a simple KOH scraping, dermoscopy, or rarely biopsy can confirm. Because treatments differ markedly (steroids/phototherapy vs antifungals and hygiene) and certain warning signs change the next steps, see the complete guidance below for when to try home care and when to see a clinician.

Q.

Red scaly patches on elbows and knees – is it psoriasis?

A.

Red, scaly, well-defined patches on elbows and knees are most often plaque psoriasis, but eczema, fungal infections, and contact dermatitis can look similar, and confirmation usually needs a dermatologist’s exam and sometimes a scraping or biopsy. Treatments range from moisturizers and topical steroids/Vitamin D to phototherapy and systemic medications, and triggers like stress, skin injury, or certain drugs can drive flares; urgent care is warranted for rapid spread, severe pain/bleeding, signs of infection, or joint swelling/stiffness. There are several factors to consider; see below for hallmark signs, risks like psoriatic arthritis and heart disease, an optional free symptom check, and clear guidance on next steps.

Q.

What are some early signs of plaque psoriasis on body?

A.

Early signs include well-defined red/pink (or purple on darker skin) patches topped with silvery-white scales, very dry or cracked skin that may bleed, itching/burning or soreness, and nail changes like pitting, yellow-brown “oil-drop” discoloration, or lifting. These typically appear on elbows, knees, scalp/hairline, lower back, buttocks, palms/soles, or skin folds, and can less commonly start as small drop-like spots or come with early joint stiffness. There are several factors to consider and important next steps (risk factors, when to seek care, treatment options, and a free symptom check)—see below for complete details.

Q.

What are some early signs of plaque psoriasis on scalp?

A.

Early scalp plaque psoriasis signs include well-defined raised patches on a pink-red base covered with thick, silvery-white scales, persistent itch or burning, and stubborn flaking that may crack or bleed; lesions can cross the hairline or appear behind the ears, and nail pitting can be an early clue. Unlike dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, the scales are thicker and more adherent with sharply bordered plaques. There are several factors to consider for distinguishing causes, triggers, and when to seek treatment—see the complete details below, which can affect your next steps.

Q.

What does plaque psoriasis look like?

A.

Plaque psoriasis typically appears as raised, well-defined patches covered with a silvery-white (or slate-gray) scale—red or pink on lighter skin and dark brown or purple on darker skin—commonly on the scalp, elbows, knees, lower back, and sometimes the nails. It can itch, crack, or bleed, and there are several factors to consider that could affect your next steps; see below for important details on variations by skin tone and location, triggers, a symptom check tool, and when to see a doctor.

Q.

What is plaque psoriasis and could it be the cause of my itchy skin?

A.

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis—an immune-mediated skin disease causing well-defined red, scaly plaques (often on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back)—and itch is extremely common in it. It could be the cause of your itchy skin, but eczema, fungal infections, and other issues can look similar, so the pattern of plaques, nail changes, family history, and severity matter. There are several factors to consider; see below for key signs to watch for, when to seek care, and the full range of treatments and self-care options.