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Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes your body’s cells to build up quickly on the surface of your skin. Living with psoriasis can take a toll not only on your body, but also on your emotional well-being. For as many as 7.5 million people with psoriasis in the United States, one question continues to come up in conversations with their doctors — when will my psoriasis go away?

Psoriasis remission, or a disappearance of your symptoms, is possible, but keep in mind psoriasis never really “goes away.” Remission means your symptoms aren’t visible on your skin, but it’s still possible to have flare-ups in the future. If you’re wondering when your symptoms might disappear, talk with your doctor about any treatment options that may help. Until then, keep an eye out for the following signs your psoriasis may be in remission.

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1. Patches get smaller or disappear.

Psoriasis is characterized by thick, scaly patches that form on your skin. These patches can range in size from small to large, and they usually appear on certain areas of the body, like the scalp, knees, elbows, and hands. If you have a more severe case of psoriasis, your patches may be quite large and could be itchy and painful.

Fortunately, several medications are available that can help to reduce the size of your existing patches and prevent new ones from forming. One popular choice, methotrexate, has been used for years as a front-line psoriasis therapy. Many people see their psoriasis patches disappear within about a month after they begin using this drug.

2. The itch is gone.

If you have a moderate or severe case of psoriasis, you already know the itch that comes when you have a flare-up can be intense. Many people report that the itching around the areas of thick, scaly skin is unbearable, and that it never really goes away as long as a flare-up is occurring.

Fortunately, a sign your psoriasis may be going into remission is a decrease in the amount of itching you experience. You may find you can use less topical medications, such as certain creams containing steroids, that help to reduce the itch and inflammation on your affected skin.

3. Your skin is less red and flaky.

The thick, scaly patches of skin so common with psoriasis are usually very red in color, and they may be covered with silvery, flaky skin. One sign you may be headed for remission is an improvement in both the color and the flakiness of your skin. You might notice your skin is less dry, and that it’s less flaky than before.

4. Your joints don’t hurt.

As many as 30% of people living with psoriasis experience psoriatic arthritis, a disease that causes the small and large joints in your body to become swollen and painful. This can make it difficult for you to move and can have a severe impact on your quality of life. Swollen, painful joints could be the only sign you’re having a psoriasis flare-up.

Fortunately, many psoriasis treatments that exist for your skin also seem to help any arthritis symptoms you may have. If you begin to notice your joints aren’t as swollen and painful, or that you’re having an easier time moving around, it could be a sign your psoriasis is going into remission.

5. Your nails look better.

For some people, changes to their nails are the first sign a flare-up is occurring. You may notice your finger and toenails are pitted, discolored, or growing abnormally. Psoriasis can also cause your nails to become loose and break. If your psoriasis is going into remission, you may notice your nails returning to a normal color and becoming stronger, with less pits present.