What causes thick, hard skin at psoriasis flare-up sites?
During a psoriasis flare, your immune system becomes overactive and attacks skin cells. This causes skin cells to grow up to 10 times faster than normal, leading to those thick, hard patches you're experiencing.
These thick areas are called plaques, and they're Show Full Answer
What causes thick, hard skin at psoriasis flare-up sites?
During a psoriasis flare, your immune system becomes overactive and attacks skin cells. This causes skin cells to grow up to 10 times faster than normal, leading to those thick, hard patches you're experiencing.
These thick areas are called plaques, and they're made up of dead skin cells that build up quickly on the skin's surface. In healthy skin, dead cells shed gradually about every 28 days. But with psoriasis, these cells stick to the surface and can shed daily when the disease is active.
The plaques often develop a silvery, white, or gray scaly coating on top. They can appear as red patches on lighter skin or as thicker, purplish or brown patches on darker skin tones.
Common locations for these thick patches include:
- Knees
- Elbows
- Scalp
- Lower back
- Torso
- Buttocks
These areas can be itchy, painful, and may burn, sting, crack, or bleed from scratching or irritation. Sticking with your treatment plan is the best way to manage these symptoms and prevent complications.
April 21
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