Last updated on 6/24/2025 by the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Psoriasis Locations
Psoriasis can appear in any location on the body.
Everyone experiences their own unique expression of the disease. Maybe it covers only your extremities or trunk, or maybe it is on your scalp.
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Your care team will help you treat and address the specific type of psoriasis you experience, and treatment may vary depending on the location on the skin. (Learn how to take care of your skin when living with psoriasis with our free guide.) Below are common locations for psoriasis. Psoriasis on certain locations, called high-impact sites, can have an increased negative impact on quality of life, regardless of the total area affected by psoriasis.
Genital Psoriasis
Genital psoriasis is very common. Up to two-thirds of people with psoriasis experience genital psoriasis at some point in their lives. Genital psoriasis can affect the skin in the genital area, as well as the inner and upper thighs. (Get your free genital psoriasis guide.)
Scalp Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis affects over 60 percent of people living with psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis can also affect the hairline, the forehead, the back of the neck, and the skin in and around the ears. (Get your free scalp psoriasis quick guide.)
Facial Psoriasis
Facial psoriasis affects about 50 percent of people living with psoriasis. It can affect any area on the face including the eyebrows, the skin between the nose and upper lip, as well as the upper forehead.
Hands
Psoriasis on the hands can be one of the most disabling forms of psoriasis because it can limit the use of your hands. Palmoplantar psoriasis (PPP) refers to psoriasis that affects the palms of the hands and/or the soles of the feet, which affects 12-16% of people living with psoriasis.
Feet
Psoriasis on the feet can be one of the most disabling forms of psoriasis because it can limit the use of your feet. Palmoplantar psoriasis (PPP) refers to psoriasis that affects the palms of the hands and/or the soles of the feet, which affects 12-16% of people living with psoriasis.
Nails
Roughly 50% of people living with psoriasis have nail psoriasis, although it is estimated that 90% of people with psoriasis will experience nail psoriasis at some point in their lifetime. Pain and tenderness from nail psoriasis can impact daily activities.
Skin Folds
Skin folds such as under the arms and breasts can also be affected by psoriasis. These areas are often irritated by rubbing and sweating.