Plaque Psoriasis

This is the most common type of psoriasis. It typically appears as thick, flaky patches of skin on one or more parts of the body. Sometimes the patches of affected skin are large, extending over much of the body. The patches, known as plaques or lesions, can wax and wane but tend to be chronic.

Plaque psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body. Commonly affected sites are the elbows, knees, knuckles, scalp, trunk, arms and legs, and external sex organs. The plaques do not always itch, but when scratched they can become inflamed. This is known as the Koebner phenomenon.

Guttate Psoriasis

This type of psoriasis most often affects children and young adults. It appears as small, red bumps – the size of drops of water-on the skin. It usually appears suddenly, often several weeks after an infection such as strep throat.

Antibiotics may be used to treat guttate psoriasis that is triggered by an infection. Guttate psoriasis usually responds to treatment and may gradually go away on its own. Many people who have an episode of guttate psoriasis may not have another one for many years.

In adults who have plaque psoriasis, the appearance of the small drop-like bumps of guttate psoriasis can be a sign that the disease is flaring up.

Inverse Psoriasis

This form of psoriasis appears in the folds of the skin as smooth, red patches without the scale found in plaque psoriasis.

It may also be accompanied by itching.

Inverse psoriasis may appear in the genital area as well as under the breasts and in the armpits.

Due to its location in skin folds where constant friction is present, there is a higher possibility that the lesions will spread to skin that was previously unaffected.

Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis appears as small, white, fluid-filled blisters (pustules) surrounded by swollen, reddish skin.

It may be localized on the palms and soles of the feet.

However, pustular psoriasis can cover the entire body and result in fever, fluid imbalances, and infection.

The majority of people with the more generalized form of this psoriasis need to be hospitalized.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

This form of psoriasis can cover the entire body.

The skin appears bright red with extensive fine scaling. It can be quite painful and severe itching may also be present.

Because symptoms are so widespread over the body, this form can be extremely serious. If you have this type of psoriasis, you should see your doctor immediately.

The resulting protein, fluid loss, and decrease in body temperature can lead to severe, life-threatening illness and may require hospitalization.

Variations

Palmo-Plantar Psoriasis

Lesions localized to the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Typically seen as plaque or pustular psoriasis.

Scalp

Psoriasis of the scalp affects at least half of all people who have the disease. Lesions appear on the scalp and may spread to the ears, forehead, and the back of the neck. Hair loss may occur. Psoriasis of the scalp can occur without skin changes on the rest of the body. This is a variation of Plague.

Psoriasis of the Nails

Psoriasis affects the nails in approximately 50% of people with psoriasis. Nail changes vary, but typically include:

• Severe thickening of the nail
• Shallow or deep holes (pits) in the nail
• Nail discoloration, such as yellow-brown
• Nail separation from the nail bed