The most commonly affected areas are the lower back, elbows, knees, legs, soles of the feet, scalp, face and palms. Most types of psoriasis go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a time or even going into remission.

Where does psoriasis start on the body?

Psoriasis can occur on the skin anywhere on the body. It most often develops on the knees, elbows, or scalp. It is a systemic condition, which means it affects the body from inside. It is not contagious, which means that one person cannot pass psoriasis to another.

Why do I suddenly have psoriasis?

A triggering event may cause a change in the immune system, resulting in the onset of psoriasis symptoms. Common triggers for psoriasis include stress, illness (particularly strep infections), injury to the skin and certain medications.