Psoriasis: What Are the Different Types?

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Psoriasis: Learn About the Different Types

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People with psoriasis have a buildup of skin cells on various parts of their body. These cells appear dry with silvery plaques within reddened patches. This autoimmune condition causes the life cycle of skin cells to speed up so that there is an accumulation of roughened dead cells that frequently appear on elbows, knees or the scalp.

People with psoriasis are also at risk of developing other serious chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and psoriatic arthritis.

There are five main types of psoriasis, and two other associated ones that some consider to be additional types of psoriasis.

1) Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form, according to Psoriasis.org. Raised, thickened red patches with silvery white-colored cells build up on the skin anywhere on the body. The plaques may itch, or be painful and bleed.

2) Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis is more common in children and young adults, and may be set off by a strep infection. It appears on the skin as small dot-like sores, covering the trunk, arms and legs. A fine silvery layer of cells may form on top of the sores.

It is possible to have a single episode of this form of psoriasis, or to have repeated episodes. Psoriasis.org says that about 10 percent of those people who have psoriasis have this form.

3) Inverse Psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis appears as reddened, inflamed areas in skin folds such as behind the knee, under the breast, and around the genitals. This form of psoriasis is worsened by friction, sweat and obesity, and lacks the scales that are present in other forms of psoriasis. Treatment may include topical steroids, anti-yeast or fungus medications.

4) Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis can occur in patches or in small areas. It appears as white blisters filled with non-infective pus of white cells a few hours after the skin has become reddened and tender.

It is thought that this form of psoriasis may be triggered by a variety of causes such as after a drug reaction, the withdrawal of certain systemic drugs, pregnancy, and even by stress. The blisters dry out and disappear after a few days, but may reoccur every few days or weeks.

5) Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare, severe form of psoriasis which covers the body with a red, peeling rash that may burn or itch intensely. Psoriasis.org states that it affects “only 3 percent of people who have psoriasis during their life time. It generally appears on people who have unstable plaque psoriasis.”

The two other associated types are scalp and nail psoriasis.

-Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis has red, itchy areas with silver whitish scales on top of the affected skin. This form of psoriasis may extend beyond the hairline, and can bleed if the scales are removed. Psoriasis in children often appears first as scalp psoriasis.

-Nail psoriasis
Nail psoriasis can appear as pitting and abnormal growth on fingers or toenails. The nails can become loosened and separate from the nail bed or they can grow abnormally and become discolored. Nail psoriasis typically occurs along with another type of psoriasis.

To view a slide show of the various types of psoriasis click here.

For more information about psoriasis go to Psoriasis.org.

Sources:

About Psoriasis. Psoriasis.org. Retrieved August 2, 2015.
https://psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis

Additional links:

https://psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/related-conditions
https://psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/types/inverse
https://psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/types/pustular
https://psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/types/erythrodermic

Psoriasis. Slide show: Types of psoriasis. Retrieved August 2, 2015.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/multimedia/psori...

Michele is an R.N. freelance writer with a special interest in woman’s healthcare and quality of care issues.

Edited by Jody Smith

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.