Elbow Psoriasis: Know About Its Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for elbow psoriasis. Discover effective medications, home remedies, and lifestyle changes to manage this chronic skin condition.
Written by Dr. Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Elbow Psoriasis – An Overview
Elbow psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes thickening, inflammation and redness of the skin on the elbows. It can also develop in other body parts, such as the scalp or knees.
It is estimated that about 2-3% of the population suffers from psoriasis. Although children and adolescents can be affected, it mainly affects adults. This condition is neither dangerous nor contagious.
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis on the elbows. A person suffering from the condition may notice patches of skin from half an inch to 4 inches wide.
What are the Causes of Elbow Psoriasis?
It is not known precisely what causes elbow psoriasis, but there are three main causes that may trigger it:
Immune System: The skin comprises three layers - the epidermis, or top layer; the dermis, or middle layer, which contains collagen and blood vessels; and an inner layer of fat. Every day, cells in the epidermis die and shed. But when a person has psoriasis, the immune system causes the epidermal skin cells to build up faster than the body can replace them. They remain on the skin and cause thickening and scaling. In addition, the blood vessels in the dermis dilate, which can make the rash appear red.
Genetic Predisposition: About 40% of people with psoriasis have a relative with the disease, but no genetic test can confirm whether a person will get it if anyone in the family has it.
Environment Factors: Several factors can increase the risk of psoriasis. These include:
Bacterial and viral infections
Smoking
Alcohol
Skin irritations
Stress
Cold weather
Symptoms of Elbow Psoriasis
Most people with elbow psoriasis have plaque psoriasis. Symptoms include:
Large, raised patches of skin that may be covered with silvery-white scales.
Plaques of varying sizes. Sometimes, small ones join together to form large ones.
Joint pain, swelling, or stiffness. Some people with elbow psoriasis may also suffer from a related condition called psoriatic arthritis.
People of all ethnicities and races can get psoriasis. It seems to be more common in white people than in Asian, Latino, or African-American people, but this may be because it is misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed in people with dark skin types.
Consult Top Dermatologists
Diagnosing Elbow Psoriasis
Determining whether a person has elbow psoriasis or another condition, such as dry skin, can be challenging. A dermatologist is best able to make this diagnosis.
They will examine the skin on the elbows and may ask a few questions about the person’s family and medical history. To confirm the diagnosis, they may also perform a skin biopsy.
1. Physical examination
A dermatologist will check the skin on the elbows to examine:
Thick, red patches with silvery-white scales
Burning or itching
Dry or cracked skin
Soreness
inflammation
2. Medical History
A dermatologist will ask about:
Any family history of psoriasis
Stress or any kind of recent illness
Whether the person is on prescription medications
Any pain, tenderness or stiffness in joints
3. Skin Biopsy
A dermatologist may take a skin sample to examine it under a microscope. It is used to diagnose skin conditions, such as skin cancer, psoriasis, and other infections
Treatment for Elbow Psoriasis
There is no cure for elbow psoriasis, but there are treatments that can help manage symptoms and treat or even prevent flare-ups. These include:
1. Topical Medications
Corticosteroids: At the beginning of treatment, apply them twice daily. As symptoms improve, it can be reduced to once a day. A corticosteroid cream such as hydrocortisone 1% can be purchased over the counter.
Calcitriol (Vectical) or calcipotriene (Dovonex, Sorilux): These creams help slow down cell growth in the epidermis, and can be used twice a day.
Tapinarov (Vtama): This cream can be used once a day to reduce skin inflammation.
Roflumilast (Zoryve 0.3): It also reduces skin inflammation and can be applied once a day.
Topical calcineurin inhibitors: These include pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic), which help in reducing skin inflammation. They are generally used for sensitive areas like the face, armpits, or chest
Tazarotene (Tazorac): This prescription cream, derived from vitamin A, can be applied once a day.
2. Phototherapy
Exposure to UV rays can help treat psoriasis. The doctor may also prescribe a home UV device. Although it is very safe, it can cause sunburn, dry skin, and itching.
Lasers are also used to treat psoriasis. They offer higher doses of UVB exposure than a machine, but they are safe because they can be directed only at the areas affected by psoriatic plaques. This option is better for individuals with a small psoriasis area, like elbow psoriasis.
3. Oral medications
The doctor may prescribe certain oral medications, which include:
Acitretin (Soriatane): It is a retinoid derived from vitamin A. It should not be used in pregnancy.
Apremilast (Otezla): This oral medication can be taken twice daily. It is advisable to consult a doctor in case a person experiences mood changes while taking this medication.
Methotrexate: It can be taken as a tablet or an injection. The doctor may also recommend taking a folic acid supplement to reduce side effects such as digestive upset.
Immunosuppressants: In case of severe psoriasis that doesn't respond to other medications, the doctor may recommend a short course of medications such as azathioprine, cyclosporine, or hydroxyurea.
Home Remedies for Elbow Psoriasis
There are home remedies that can help relieve symptoms. These can often be used in conjunction with prescription medications.
Salicylic acid: It helps to remove the top layer of your skin, thus eliminating psoriasis flakes.
Coal tar: It slows down the rapid growth of skin cells. It is available over the counter as a shampoo, cream, or oil. Apply it on the skin once or twice a day. The downside is that it can be irritating and stain the skin and clothes.
Moisturiser: Over-the-counter emollients containing petroleum jelly or other thick creams can help relieve itching. It is advisable to apply it after a bath.
Oatmeal bath: These can help reduce the itching and redness accompanying elbow psoriasis.
Aloe vera: It may help improve the redness and scaling of psoriasis. It can be applied up to three times a day.
Apple cider vinegar: Mainly used to treat scalp psoriasis, it can also be used for elbow psoriasis. Dilute it with water in a 1:1 ratio to avoid skin irritation and burns. It can be applied on the elbow and rinsed off after the solution dries.
Epsom salt bath: A 15-minute warm bath with Epsom salt can help remove scales and relieve itching.
Living with Elbow Psoriasis
Here are some lifestyle tips to better manage your condition:
Eat a Mediterranean-style diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fatty fish has been shown to reduce psoriasis symptoms.
Wear comfortable clothing: Choose lightweight fabrics such as cotton, polyester, rayon, and chiffon. If wearing fur, try wearing cotton underneath to create a barrier against the skin.
Get some sun exposure: UV rays help improve psoriasis symptoms. But, too much sun exposure can worsen the condition. Talk to a dermatologist to determine the amount that is appropriate.
Find social support: Feeling self-conscious and anxious about elbow psoriasis is normal. Talking to people living with this condition can help.
Conclusion
Elbow psoriasis is a chronic but manageable skin condition. Although its exact cause remains unknown, it appears to be influenced by immune system responses, genetic factors, and environmental triggers. Although there is no cure, patients have a number of treatment options, ranging from topical medications and phototherapy to oral drugs and several home remedies. Successful management of elbow psoriasis often requires a comprehensive approach that combines medical treatments with lifestyle changes, including a proper diet, comfortable clothing choices, and moderate sun exposure. With the right medical advice and ongoing care, most people with elbow psoriasis can effectively control their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.
Consult Top Dermatologists
Consult Top Dermatologists
Dr. Hemalatha Naidu M
Dermatologist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
(275+ Patients)
Dr Ritika Shanmugam
Dermatologist
9 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology, venereology, Leprosy)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
Dr. K Chetana
Dermatologist
10 Years • MBBS, MD ( Dermatology)
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. Madhab Datta
Dermatologist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (DVL)
Kolkata
Dr. Madhab Datta's Clinic, Kolkata
Dr. Kaushiki Hajra
Dermatologist
5 Years • MBBS,MD(D V & L)
Kolkata
VDC Clinic, Kolkata
(50+ Patients)
Consult Top Dermatologists
Dr. Hemalatha Naidu M
Dermatologist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
(275+ Patients)
Dr Ritika Shanmugam
Dermatologist
9 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology, venereology, Leprosy)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
Dr. K Chetana
Dermatologist
10 Years • MBBS, MD ( Dermatology)
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. Madhab Datta
Dermatologist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (DVL)
Kolkata
Dr. Madhab Datta's Clinic, Kolkata
Dr. Kaushiki Hajra
Dermatologist
5 Years • MBBS,MD(D V & L)
Kolkata
VDC Clinic, Kolkata
(50+ Patients)
