Types Of Psoriasis Explained

[Fred]

Here is a list of the most common types of Psoriasis, If anyone has more input please let me know so I can make changes. the information is taken from various sources and this thread is only intended to give you an idea. "You should always seek medical advice if you think you have Psoriasis"

Please scroll down to find an explanation of the different types and some members photos. (or click a link below)

What Is Psoriasis ?

Plaque Psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris)

Guttate Psoriasis also known as Eruptive / Raindrop Psoriasis / Paintbrush Psoriasis

Inverse (flexural) Psoriasis

Pustular Psoriasis

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Nail Psoriasis

Napkin Psoriasis

Scalp Psoriasis

Psoriatic Arthritis

And Finally

[Fred]

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune disease that appears on the skin. It occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis is not contagious. It commonly causes red, scaly patches to appear on the skin, although some patients have no dermatological symptoms. The scaly patches commonly caused by psoriasis, called psoriatic plaques, are areas of inflammation and excessive skin production. Skin rapidly accumulates at these sites which gives it a silvery-white appearance. Plaques frequently occur on the skin of the elbows and knees, but can affect any area including the scalp, palms of hands and soles of feet, and genitals. In contrast to eczema, psoriasis is more likely to be found on the outer side of the joint.

The disorder is a chronic recurring condition that varies in severity from minor localized patches to complete body coverage. Fingernails and toenails are frequently affected (psoriatic nail dystrophy) and can be seen as an isolated symptom. Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the joints, which is known as (psoriatic arthritis). Ten to fifteen percent of people with psoriasis have psoriatic arthritis.

The cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is believed to have a genetic component and local psoriatic changes can be triggered by an injury to the skin known as Koebner phenomenon. Various environmental factors have been suggested as aggravating to psoriasis including stress, withdrawal of systemic corticosteroid, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking but few have shown statistical significance. There are many treatments available, but because of its chronic recurrent nature psoriasis is a challenge to treat.

[Fred]

Plaque Psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris)

Plaque Psoriasis is the most common form and affects around 80% of sufferers. Typicaly raised red patches of skin, covered with silvery white scales. The silvery white scales are the accumulation of the skin cells waiting to be shed, and the redness is due to the increase in blood vessels required to support the increase in cell production. Psoriasis can range in appearance from mild to severe. The plaques can appear in a variety of shapes and sizes, varying from a few millimetres to several centimetres in diameter. Plaques of psoriasis have a well-defined edge from the surrounding skin. the plaques tend to appear most often on the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp, although any part of the body can be affected.

*Images are copyright.

[Fred]

Guttate Psoriasis also known as Eruptive, Raindrop, or Paintbrush Psoriasis

This normally occurs following a streptococcal throat infection and is more common among children and teenagers. It causes small (less than 1cm or 1/3 inch) drop-shaped sores on your chest, arms, legs and scalp. Numerous small red scaly patches quickly develop over a wide area of skin, although the palms and the soles are usually not affected. There is a good chance that guttate psoriasis will disappear completely, but some people go on to develop plaque psoriasis.

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Member images wanted. If you have any please get in touch with Fred.

[Fred]

Inverse (flexural) Psoriasis

This affects areas of the skin that are in folds or creases, such as the armpits, groin and the skin between the buttocks and under the breasts. It can cause large, smooth red patches in some or all of these areas. Inverse psoriasis is made worse by friction and sweating, so it can be particularly uncomfortable in hot weather and can also be prone to yeast or fungal infections which might cause confusion. Scaling is minimal or absent.

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Member images wanted. If you have any please get in touch with Fred.

[Fred]

Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular Psoriasis is a rarer type of psoriasis that causes pus-filled blisters (pustules) to appear on your skin. Different types of pustular psoriasis affect different parts of the body:

Generalised pustular psoriasis or von Zumbusch psoriasis. This causes pustules on a wide area of skin, which develop very quickly. The pus consists of white blood cells and is not infected. The pustules dry and peel off within a couple of days, leaving the skin shiny and smooth. The pustules may reappear every few days or weeks in cycles. During the start of these cycles, von Zumbusch psoriasis can cause fever, chills, weight loss and fatigue. * It's advised to seek urgent hospital treatment for this one *
Images: dermnet.com/Psoriasis-Pustular-Generalized


Palmoplantar pustular psoriasis. This causes pustules to appear on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. The pustules gradually develop into circular brown scaly spots, which then peel off. Pustules may reappear every few days or weeks.

Images are copyright:

[Fred]

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis that affects nearly all of the skin on the body. This can cause intense itching or burning and skin redness (erythema) can affect the whole body. Erythrodermic psoriasis can cause your body to lose proteins and fluid. This can lead to serious illnesses such as infection, dehydration, heart failure, hypothermia and malnutrition.
Dilated blood vessels in the skin affect blood circulation to other parts of the body, with problems of fluid balance and rapid heat loss. In severe cases, this may be life-threatening. Erythrodermic psoriasis is very rare.

Images are copyright.

[Fred]

Nail Psoriasis

In 50% of people with psoriasis there is also major involvement of the nails, with minor involvement being seen in some individuals. The fingernails and toenails are affected equally, from one to twenty nails may be affected. Discolouration, pitting and separation from the nail bed are the most common characteristics of activity. Nails can be a good indicator that psoriasis is present and can help the doctor to diagnose if an associated form of arthritis is present.

Images are copyright.

[Fred]

Napkin Psoriasis

Develops in the nappy area of an infant to cause a bright red, weeping rash or more typical psoriasis plaques. A child who has napkin psoriasis as a baby does not seem to have a higher risk of developing other forms of psoriasis in later life.

[Fred]

Scalp Psoriasis

Raised, red thick scaly plaques on the scalp and around the hairline. It is common and approximately 50% of all people with psoriasis have it on their scalp. The reason it deserves special mention is that it can be particularly difficult to treat and usually requires specifically formulated medicines. It is difficult to treat with creams and ointments because the hair gets in the way. In extreme cases it can cause hair loss, although this is usually only temporary.

*Images are copyright: