It causes raised, dry, itchy skin patches (called plaques).

Knee psoriasis treatment options include topical therapies, as well as oral medications.

Lifestyle changes may also help manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Psoriasis on knees

tumeyes / Getty Images

tumeyes / Getty Images

What Does It Look Like?

Reproduced with permission from DermNet and Te Whatu Ora Waikatowww.dermnetnz.org2023.

What Is Psoriasis?

Plaque psoriasis on the knee

Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet and ©Te Whatu Ora Waikatowww.dermnetnz.org2023.

This leads to the formation of plaques.

Psoriasis is characterized byflare-ups(or flares), which are periods of more intense symptoms.

A person may also experience periods of remission, with few or no symptoms.

Healthcare providers arent sure why the kneecaps are more prone to psoriasis than some other body parts.

This may make kneecaps prone to psoriasis symptoms.

Complications

In addition to plaques, knee psoriasis sometimes leads to pain, swelling, and stiffness.

The condition can make it painful to perform daily movements like walking or climbing stairs.

If you have knee psoriasis and experience swelling, pain, and stiffness in your knees, see arheumatologist.

This throw in of doctor specializes in treating inflammatory andautoimmune diseases.

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider, such as a dermatologist or rheumatologist, candiagnose psoriasis.

Treatments

Theres no cure for psoriasis, but there aremany treatment optionsthat can help manage the symptoms.

Your treatment plan will depend on the severity of your knee psoriasis and other medications you take.

Some things to consider:

Summary

Psoriasis on the knees is very common.

Although the condition can show up anywhere on the body, it most frequently appears on the kneesand elbows.

People with knee psoriasis can also develop psoriatic arthritis, which leads to joint stiffness and pain.

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