Psoriasis is more than just a skin condition – it is an autoimmune disorder that can manifest as scales, patches, or even crumbling nails. It’s a condition that needs to be well managed.
The Different Types of Psoriasis and Their Characteristics:
The Mayo Clinic describes psoriasis as “a skin disease that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches, usually on the knees, elbows, torso, and scalp.” This is not a rare skin disease, but one that is more common.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that accelerates the life cycle of skin cells, resulting in a rapid buildup of cells on the skin surface, leading to flakes, redness, and inflammation.
Over 125 million people worldwide and about 8 million in the US are living with this “common, long-lasting (chronic) disease” that “can be painful, disrupt sleep, and make it hard to concentrate.” The condition ultimately affects your health.
While the exact cause is still a mystery, genetics and environmental factors play a significant role.
The National Psoriasis Foundation distinguishes five types of skin disorders, each of which exacts a social and emotional toll due to the visible symptoms.
Plaque Psoriasis
According to the NPF, this is the most common form of psoriasis, characterized by dry, itchy, raised skin patches (plaques) covered with scales. These patches can vary in number and usually appear on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp. The color of the patches depends on the skin tone and may heal with temporary discoloration, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in dark skin. Any type of irregularity requires medical attention.
Main Features:
- Texture: Thick and scaly
- Color: Red or pink with a silvery overlay
- Itch Factor: Moderate to severe
Guttate Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis occurs mainly in children and young adults and often develops after a bacterial infection such as strep throat. This form of psoriasis presents as small, drop-shaped sores on the trunk, arms, or legs. Unlike plaque psoriasis, guttate spots are thinner and less scaly.
Main Features:
- Size: Small, teardrop-shaped spots
- Trigger: Infections
- Affected Areas: Torso, limbs
Inverse Psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis likes to hide in the folds of your skin like the groin, buttocks, and under the breasts. Unlike other forms, it does not have the characteristic scaling. Instead, it presents as shiny, smooth, red patches that can worsen with friction or sweating. Fungal infections are a common cause of this type of psoriasis.
Main Features:
- Texture: Smooth and shiny
- Location: Skin folds (where friction and sweat occur)
- Irritation: Often worsened by sweat and rubbing
Due to its location, inverse psoriasis can be difficult to treat and prone to fungal infections. Keep the area clean and dry!
Pustular Psoriasis
This type is less common but dramatic in its presentation. Pustular psoriasis is characterized by white pustules (blisters filled with non-infectious pus) surrounded by inflamed, red skin. It can appear in specific areas such as the hands and feet, or spread across the body. Below we discuss some of the symptoms.
Main Features:
- Appearance: Pustules filled with pus
- Symptoms: Often accompanied by fever or chills
- Severity: Can range from localized to widespread
Pustular psoriasis requires immediate medical attention. Do not ignore those small blisters – they could be a sign of something serious!
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
This is the rarest and most severe form, causing widespread redness, scaling, and peeling of the skin, often covering large areas of the body. Erythrodermic psoriasis can be life-threatening and usually requires hospitalization.
Main Features:
- Appearance: Intense redness and peeling of the skin
- Symptoms: Severe itching, pain, and swelling
- Triggers: Severe sunburn, infection, or abrupt cessation of psoriasis treatment
This type of psoriasis is not something to wait on – call your doctor immediately if you are experiencing symptoms!
Furthermore, the Mayo Clinic explains that psoriasis is not limited to the skin. It can also affect your nails, causing them to thicken, pit, discolor, or even detach from the nail bed (a condition called onycholysis). Nail changes are often an early indicator of psoriatic arthritis, a related condition that affects the joints.
Psoriasis can manifest in various forms, but understanding the symptoms can help you better control it. If you notice any of the signs we’ve discussed, consult a dermatologist to get the care and treatment you deserve for better overall health.
If you want to share how you manage your psoriasis, do so in the comments section below. Then, share this story with your friends so we can hear from them too!
