Psoriasis Black
Psoriasis shows on the outside, but it
starts from within
Psoriasis affects about 125 million people worldwide. It causes dry, itchy patches when skin cells build up too fast. Flare-ups can happen anytime and impact both body and mind. It can look different from person to person, which can make it harder to recognise.

SYMPTOMS AND AREAS OF THE BODY

Psoriasis: A visual guide

Select an area of the body below to learn about common symptoms and how
they could appear.
Scalp
Scalp
Back
Back
Elbows
Elbows
Forearms
Forearms
Palms
Palms
Stomach
Stomach
Bottom of feet
Bottom of feet
Legs
Shins

How psoriasis affects the scalp

Psoriasis on the scalp can cause red, purple, or brown patches, thick raised skin (plaques),
itching, irritation, burning, or stinging, and dry skin that may crack or bleed.
Images used with permission from DermNet (©2025DermNet)

How psoriasis affects the back

Psoriasis on the back can cause red, purple, or brown patches, thick raised skin (plaques),
itching, irritation, burning, or stinging, and dry skin that may crack or bleed.
Images used with permission from VisualDx

How psoriasis affects the elbows

Psoriasis on the elbows can lead to red, purple, or brown rough patches, thick raised skin (plaques),
itching, irritation, burning, or stinging, pustules or blisters, and dry skin that may crack or bleed.
Images used with permission from DermNet (©2025DermNet)

How psoriasis affects the forearms

Psoriasis on the forearms can create red, purple, or brown patches, thick raised skin (plaques),
itching, irritation, burning, or stinging, pustules or blisters, and dry skin that may crack or bleed.
Images used with permission from VisualDx

How psoriasis affects the palms

Psoriasis on the palms can result in red, purple, or brown patches, thick raised skin (plaques),
itching, irritation, burning, or stinging, pustules or blisters, and dry skin that may crack or bleed.
Images used with permission from DermNet (©2025DermNet)

How psoriasis affects the stomach

Psoriasis on the stomach can cause red, purple, or brown patches, thick raised skin (plaques),
itching, irritation, burning, or stinging, pustules or blisters, and dry skin that may crack or bleed.
Images used with permission from VisualDx

How psoriasis affects the bottom of feet

Psoriasis on the bottom of the feet can create red, purple, or brown patches, thick raised skin (plaques),
itching, irritation, burning, or stinging, pustules or blisters, and dry skin that may crack or bleed.
Images used with permission from DermNet (©2025DermNet)

How psoriasis affects the legs

Psoriasis on the legs can cause red, purple, or brown patches, thick raised skin (plaques),
itching, irritation, burning, or stinging, pustules or blisters, and dry skin that may crack or bleed.
Images used with permission from VisualDx

UNDERSTANDING FLARE-UPS

Know your triggers

Psoriasis triggers are unique to you. Knowing and documenting
them can help you manage your flare-ups and have a better
conversation with your dermatologist.
bandaids
Injuries (cuts, scrapes, bug bites, or sunburn)
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virus
Infections, such as strep throat, flu, or common cold
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Using or stopping certain medications
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wind icon
Dry air, like in winter
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Stress
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Smoking
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BUILD UNDERSTANDING

Psoriasis looks and feels different for everyone

Psoriasis often looks salmon, dark brown, purple or violet with a
grayish scale on darker skin tones, while on lighter skin tones,
psoriasis appears redder with a silvery scale on top.
Psoriasis on darker skin tones
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  • Plaques may be thicker and have more scaling
  • More skin may be affected compared to lighter skin tones
  • Psoriasis flares may be misdiagnosed as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark patches on the skin)
  • Plaques may be thicker and have more scaling
  • More skin may be affected compared to lighter skin tones
  • Psoriasis flares may be misdiagnosed as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark patches on the skin)
Photograph of psoriasis on the forearm of someone with darker skin tone.
Things to discuss with your dermatologist
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Your dermatologist may ask about your symptoms, family history, and any recent stress or illness. They’ll check your skin, nails, and joints. If needed, they might take a small skin sample (called a biopsy) to help confirm if it’s psoriasis.

Since flare ups can happen anytime, it can be helpful to keep track of trigger and symptoms.

Your dermatologist may ask about your symptoms, family history, and any recent stress or illness. They’ll check your skin, nails, and joints. If needed, they might take a small skin sample (called a biopsy) to help confirm if it’s psoriasis.

Since flare-ups can happen anytime, it can be helpful to keep track of triggers and symptoms.
Photograph of a patient having a conversation with their doctor.
Helping your diagnosis
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There are things you can do to help reach an accurate diagnosis:

  • Take photos during a flare up
  • Document your symptoms
  • Make note of environmental changes/potential causes of flare ups

Having this information in hand helps your dermatologist. If you don’t have a dermatologist or haven’t scheduled your annual appointment find an independent in-person provider or explore an independent virtual care option.

There are things you can do to help reach an accurate diagnosis:

  • Take photos during a flare-up
  • Document your symptoms
  • Make note of environmental changes/potential causes of flare-ups

Having this information in hand helps your dermatologist.

Photograph of a patient having a conversation with their doctor
No information on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding your condition.
CMAT-27433 | May 2026