Types of Psoriasis
Plaque
Plaque (psoriasis vulgaris) is the most commom type of psoriasis. About 4 out of 5 people diagnosed with psoriasis have plaque. Plaque is a lesion (area of diseased tissue) of red, raised skin. The lesion is usually covered with a flaky scale and a silvery white buildup. The scale is composed of dead skin cells, which shed nonstop from the plaque. The plaque infected skin is generally very dry. Other possible plaque symptoms are the cracking and itching of the skin.
Guttate
Guttate psoriasis lesions resemble small, red, individual drops, which generally show up on the trunk and limbs, and sometimes on the scalp. This form of psoriasis happens often in children and young adults. It is believed to be caused by some form of infection, such as sore throats or tonsillitis, colds, or chicken pox. In addition, it is known to happen after injuries, stress, illnesses, and use of drugs to prevent malaria.
Inverse
Inverse psoriasis (flexural psoriasis) occurs in the armpits, groin, under the breasts, and in other folds around the genital and buttocks area. It shows up as smooth, dry lesions of skin that are red and inflamed. Because of the location in the skin folds, irritation due to rubbing and sweating also happens with inverse psoriasis. Irritation is more difficult for overweight patients.
Erythrodermic
Erythrodermic psoriasis is the least common form of psoriasis. It is inflammatory and often effects most of the body's surface. Erythrodermic psoriasis shows up as a constant, widespread redness. The erythma (reddening) and exfoliation (shedding) of the skin often happen along with severe itching and pain. Swelling may also develop.
Generalized Pustular
Pustular psoriasis (von Zumbusch pustular) spreads over wide areas of the body. It is a rare form of psoriasis, and shows up as widespread areas of reddened skin (erythema). These areas become painful and tender. Pustules-blisters of non-infectious pus-may also show up on the skin. They will dry, and then show up again lasting for more than a few days.
Localized Pustular
Pustules psoriasis (palmo-plantar pustulosis (PPP) ) often shows up in local areas only, particularly on the hands and feet. It shows up as large (up to .5 cm, or about the size of a pencil eraser) pustules in fleshy areas of the hands and feet, such as the base of the thumb, or the sides of the heels. The pustules first come out as a studded pattern throughout reddened plaques of skin. Then they turn brown and peel.
Note: For a further description of any information on this page, please speak with your doctor.
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