The Types of Psoriasis

There are several different types of psoriasis. If you are diagnosed with psoriasis, it is important to understand which type(s) you are suffering from. Just because you suffer from one type of psoriasis does not make you immune to any other type. Each type can also change from one to another. Treatment for each type is going to depend on the severity of the conditions. Your doctor will start with prescribing topical treatments. Next, to help slow the process of the skin cell regeneration, your doctor may prescribe phototherapy. If your symptoms are not responding to any of the preceding treatments, s/he may start you on a regimen of systemic medications.

Plaque Psoriasis

The most common type of psoriasis is known as plaque psoriasis. Approximately 80% of sufferers suffer from this type. It is so-named because of the build up of dead skin cells. This type can occur any place on the body, although it is usually found on the trunk and the legs, particularly on the elbows and knees. It is very itchy.

What does it look like?

Plaque psoriasis is characterized by patches of inflamed, red lesions. These patches are covered by silvery, white patches.

Inverse Psoriasis

Another type of psoriasis is known as inverse psoriasis. This type occurs where ever there are skin folds: in armpits, the groin area, under breasts, and around the genitals. This type is easily irritated because of sweating and the rubbing of skin. People who are overweight or people with deep skin folds tend to suffer from inverse psoriasis.

What does it look like?

Inverse psoriasis first shows ups without the typical scales (as seen with plaque). Inverse psoriasis generally presents as smooth patches of inflamed red skin.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasisis a type of psoriasis that will affect the entire body. This type can be triggered by certain medications or severe sunburn. Another trigger of erythrodermic psoriasis is when another type of psoriasis is left untreated. If you suspect you have this type of psoriasis, it is important to seek the advice of your health care professional immediately.

What does it look like?

Erythrodermic psoriasis is fiery red and can be widespread. In addition to the redness, the skin also sheds. This type is very painful and itchy.

Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis is most common in adults. It can be localized or general, which means it can be on only one area or widespread.

What does it look like?

Pustular psoriasis is characterized by pus filled blisters on the skin that are red and tender. These blisters are often referred to as pustules. Pustular psoriasis can dry up within a few days but can reappear within the days or weeks to follow. This type of psoriasis is sometimes accompanied by flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, weight loss, and fatigue.

Guttate Psoriasis

Generally, this guttate psoriasis is seen in children or young adults. It usually comes on after an illness or strep infection. It is typically found on the trunk and limbs.

What does it look like?

Guttate is characterized by small red individual spots or lesions on the skin. These lesions are not thickened as in other forms of psoriasis.

Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. It occurs on the scalp and can work its way on to the forehead and nape of the neck. Topical treatments are usually used to combat this type of psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis is commonly confused with seborrheic dermatitis, but with scalp psoriasis the sufferer has scales that are powdery with a silver sheen; whereas with seborrheic dermatitis the scalp is yellow in appearance and looks greasy.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Occasionally, patients who suffer from psoriasis will develop joint inflamation that produces symptoms of arthritis. This condition occurs in 5-7% of all psoriasis conditions. Psoriatic arthritis typically appears about 10 years after the first diagnosis of psoriasis. There are 5 types of psoriatic arthritis:

• Symmetric - affects the joints on both sides simultaneously.
• Asymmetric -  affects less than 3 joints.
• Arthritis Mutilans -  can progress over months or years and can cause joint damage resulting in a deformity.
• Spondylitis -  causes stiffness in the spine or neck (occasionally hands and feet). This type is similar to symmetric.
• Distal Interphalangeal Predominant - causes stiffness in joints nearest to the ends of fingers and toes.

If you suspect you have any form of psoriasis, the best decision is to consult your health care provider.