Can You Get Psoriasis Behind Your Knees?
You can get psoriasis on any part of the body, including behind your knees. Treatment depends on the type you have.
Psoriasis is a condition where the body's immune system causes skin cells to increase rapidly. This often turns into raised patches of skin that may be painful and itchy.
About 3% of U.S. adults have this condition. That's more than 7.5 million people.
It's possible to get psoriasis on any part of your body. Treatment for psoriasis behind the knees depends on the kind of psoriasis you have and the severity of your symptoms.
What types of psoriasis are most common behind your knees?
There are many types of psoriasis, but some are more common behind the knee.
Plaque psoriasis in the back of knees
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis and can affect the knees. The skin may be raised, inflamed, and scaly behind the knee.
Plaque psoriasis is often symmetrical, which means it appears in the same place on both sides of the body. You might have a patch of raised, itchy skin behind both knees.
Inverse psoriasis behind knees
Inverse psoriasis occurs in skin folds, like armpits, under breasts, and in the back of the knee. Affected skin will appear smooth and red, purple, or brown, depending on your skin tone. It may occur in the back of just one knee or of both.
Guttate psoriasis behind the knees
Guttate psoriasis usually develops after an infection. It's more common in children, people 20 to 30 years old, and between people 50 and 60 years old.
If you have guttate psoriasis behind the knee, you may notice small bumps on the skin.
Symptoms of psoriasis behind your knee
Your symptoms may depend on the kind of psoriasis you have. Some common symptoms include:
Raised and scaly patches of skin: These patches may be painful and itchy. On lighter skin tones, they may be red with whitish scales on top. On darker skin tones, they may be purple or dark brown with gray scales.
Smooth area of skin: The skin may appear as distinct areas with defined borders. It may be macerated or moist. Depending on your skin tone, the area may be red, purple, brown, or darker than the surrounding skin.
Small round spots on the skin: These are often raised and may or may not have scales.
Dry or cracked skin: The area may itch or bleed.
What causes psoriasis behind your knees?
Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system. Many people with psoriasis have a family history of the condition.
While genetics may make psoriasis more likely to occur, environmental factors also play a role, particularly with specific subtypes of the condition.
For example, guttate psoriasis often happens because of one of these triggers:
infections, like:
strep throat
sinus infection
flu
tonsillitis
medications, like antimalarial drugs or beta-blockers
stress
skin injury
adipose tissue inflammation exacerbated by obesity
Inverse psoriasis may also develop from the same triggers above. The use of alcohol or tobacco can also trigger the condition.
Inverse psoriasis can be made worse by sweating in the back of the knee area or when the skin areas on the back of the leg rub together.
How to get rid of psoriasis on the knee
Some home remedies may reduce some symptoms of psoriasis behind the knee. A primary care doctor or dermatologist can also prescribe medical treatment.
At-home treatments
Reduce and manage stress through meditation, walking, or other calming activities.
Bathe with a natural cleanser.
Try soaking the affected skin in whole milk.
Add table salt to a bath to gently remove scales.
Over-the-counter treatments
Use an anti-inflammatory moisturizer.
Consider using topical treatments with salicylic acid, coal tar, capsaicin, or aloe vera.
Try a cream or lotion made for psoriasis.
Medical treatments
If home remedies or over-the-counter treatments aren't working for your psoriasis, a doctor may offer medical treatment options like:
topical corticosteroids
topical nonsteroidal creams, such as anthralin, vitamin A, or vitamin D
phototherapy using ultraviolet light B (UVB) or psoralens and ultraviolet light A (PUVA)
systemic medications, like Otezla and Sotyktu
biologic medications, like Tremfya, Cosentyx, and Bimzelx
What else can cause an itchy patch behind your knees?
Other causes that can cause itchy skin or a rash behind the knees include:
insect bites
chronic conditions like:
hyperthyroidism
hypothyroidism
iron deficiency anemia
hepatitis
skin conditions, like:
dry skin
hives
eczema
lichen planus
allergies to fabrics and dyes in clothing or plants, or sun exposure
infections, like chickenpox or ringworm
hormonal changes, like pregnancy and menopause
When to contact a doctor
Consider speaking with a doctor whenever you want professional help with changes in your skin, especially if:
you have symptoms of psoriasis behind the knee but don't have a diagnosis
you know you have psoriasis, but home treatments aren't working
you have had side effects from previous psoriasis treatment
prescription medications aren't improving your symptoms
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