Porokeratosis vs Psoriasis

How to tell the difference — key features compared side by side.

Feature
Porokeratosis
Psoriasis
Category
Pre-cancerous
Common
Key feature
Ring-like lesions with a distinctive raised ridge border. 7-11% lifetime SCC risk.
Chronic autoimmune condition causing thick, silvery scaly patches. Affects 2-3% of the population. Not contagious.
Risk factors
Genetic predisposition; Immunosuppression; Chronic sun exposure (DSAP variant)
Family history of psoriasis (strongest risk factor); Stress (major trigger for flares); Obesity
Action needed
Ring-like skin lesions with a raised border
Persistent thick, scaly patches that do not respond to moisturizers

Porokeratosis

Porokeratosis is characterized by well-defined patches surrounded by a distinctive thin raised ridge (cornoid lamella) - a column of abnormal keratin.

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Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly accelerates skin cell growth. Normal skin cells mature and shed in about a month; in psoriasis, this process takes only 3-4 days, causing cells to pile up into thick, silvery-white scales on red, inflamed patches.

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Does yours look more like porokeratosis?

Quick self-check

Does this look like porokeratosis? Answer 2 questions.

Does the lesion have a ring shape with a thin raised ridge border?

Has it been present for months to years?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

Full ABCDE check →