Diagnosing the Different Types of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that takes many different shapes, each with unique characteristics. Understanding the different types of psoriasis is essential for accurate and effective treatment. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

Types of Psoriasis Overview

  • Plaque Psoriasis (Psoriasis Vulgaris): This is the most common type, characterised by raised, red patches covered with silvery-white scales.
  • Guttate Psoriasis: Identified by small, dot-like lesions, often triggered by a bacterial infection like strep throat.
  • Inverse Psoriasis: Appears as bright red, shiny lesions in skin folds, such as underarms and groin.
  • Pustular Psoriasis: Features white pustules (blisters of non-infectious pus) surrounded by red skin, typically on the hands and feet or widespread.
  • Erythrodermic Psoriasis: A rare and severe form that can cover the entire body with a red, peeling rash, causing intense itching or burning.
  • Nail Psoriasis: Affects fingernails and toenails, leading to pitting, abnormal nail growth, and discolouration.
  • Psoriatic Arthritis: Involves joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, along with the skin symptoms of psoriasis.

Diagnosing the Types of Psoriasis

Plaque Psoriasis Image

1. Plaque Psoriasis (Psoriasis Vulgaris):

Description: This is the most common type, affecting about 80-90% of people with psoriasis. It appears as raised, red patches covered with a silvery-white buildup of dead skin cells (scales).
Common Areas: Scalp, knees, elbows, and lower back.
Symptoms: Itching, pain, and cracking of the skin.
Guttate Psoriasis Image

2. Guttate Psoriasis

Description: Characterised by small, dot-like lesions. It often starts in childhood or young adulthood and can be triggered by a bacterial infection, such as strep throat.
Common Areas: Torso, limbs, and scalp.
Symptoms: Small, red, and scaly spots that can cover large areas of the body.
Inverse psoriasis Image

3. Inverse psoriasis

Description: Appears as bright red, shiny lesions that occur in skin folds.
Common Areas: Underarms, groin, under the breasts, and around the genitals and buttocks.
Symptoms: Smooth patches of red, inflamed skin that worsen with sweating and friction.
Pustular Psoriasis Image

4. Pustular Psoriasis

Description: This type is characterised by white pustules (blisters of non-infectious pus) surrounded by red skin.
Common Areas: Hands and feet (palmoplantar pustulosis) or can be widespread (generalised pustular psoriasis).
Symptoms: Pus-filled blisters, redness, and scaling. It can cause fever, chills, and severe itching.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis Image

5. Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Description: A rare but severe form of psoriasis that can cover the entire body with a red, peeling rash that can itch or burn intensely.
Common Areas: Can affect the entire body.
Symptoms: Widespread redness, shedding of scales in sheets, and severe itching and pain. It can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Nail Psoriasis Image

6. Nail Psoriasis

Description: Affects the fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth, and discolouration.
Common Areas: Fingernails and toenails.
Symptoms: Pitting, discolouration, crumbling, and separation of the nail from the nail bed.
Psoriatic Arthritis Image

7. Psoriatic Arthritis

Description: Involves joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, along with skin symptoms of psoriasis.
Common Areas: Joints, especially in the fingers and toes.
Symptoms: Joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion. It can lead to joint damage if not treated.

Q&A on Types of Psoriasis

Here are some frequently asked questions related to psoriasis

Type I psoriasis typically begins before the age of 40 and is often associated with a family history of the condition. Type II psoriasis usually starts after the age of 40 and is less commonly linked to family history.

Psoriasis can be triggered by various factors, including stress, infections (like strep throat), skin injuries, certain medications, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and changes in weather.

Conditions that can be mistaken for psoriasis include eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, fungal infections, and lupus. Each of these conditions has distinct features, but they can look similar to psoriasis.

Psoriasis stages typically include mild (less than 3% of the body affected), moderate (3-10% of the body affected), and severe (more than 10% of the body affected). These stages reflect the extent and impact of the condition on the skin.

Psoriasis doesn’t necessarily get worse with age, but it can be influenced by various factors such as stress, overall health, and adherence to treatment. Some people may experience more frequent or severe flare-ups over time, while others may find their symptoms improve.

Types of Psoriasis Facts

  1. Triggers Matter

Psoriasis can be triggered by factors such as stress, infections, skin injuries, certain medications, smoking, and changes in weather.

  1. You Can’t Catch Psoriasis 

Despite its appearance, psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person through physical contact.

  1. It’s Chronic

Psoriasis is a long-lasting autoimmune disease that speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells, causing thick, scaly patches.

  1. Can Start at Any Age

Psoriasis can begin at any age, but it most commonly appears between the ages of 15 and 35. There are also two types based on the age of onset: Type I (before age 40) and Type II (after age 40).

References

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