Plaque
Psoriasis
This is the most common and
recognized form of psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis causes the dry and raised red
skin that most people identify with the disease. These red lesions or “plaques”
are often covered with silvery scales and are circular to oval in shape. Plaque
psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body and can itch or even be painful in
severe cases. Plaque psoriasis can even be found on the genitals and on the
soft tissue inside your mouth. Since plaque psoriasis is commonly found on the
elbows and knees, the area around the joints may crack and bleed due to the
severe dryness.
Guttate
Psoriasis
Guttate Psoriasis is the
second most common form of psoriasis. The lesions associated with guttate
psoriasis are normally small and are either round or tear drop in shape.
Guttate psoriasis is usually found in younger individuals and is often brought
on by a bacterial infection such as strep throat. The sores associated with
this type of psoriasis are not as thick as with plaque psoriasis and are not as
scaly. Guttate psoriasis may go away on its own as soon as the infection is
gone. Typically guttate psoriasis occurs on the trunk, arms or legs. However,
it may also cover a large portion of the body.
Inverse
Psoriasis
This form of psoriasis mainly
occurs in areas where the skin overlaps. Common areas are the armpits, under
the breasts, in the groin area and around the genitals. Friction and sweat can
often make this form of psoriasis worse. Inverse psoriasis usually appears as
smooth red patches that may be inflamed or irritated. This type of psoriasis is
more common in overweight individuals. The overgrowth of yeast may actually
trigger the skin lesions of this type of psoriasis.
Pustular
Psoriasis
This form of psoriasis is
uncommon and makes up only a small percentage of all the reported cases.
Pustular psoriasis comes on quickly. Pus-filled blisters can appear within
hours and the skin will be red and irritated. These blisters often come in
cycles. They will dry and disappear after a day or so and then reappear in a
few days. This is one form of psoriasis in which additional side effects such
as fever, fatigue, chills and itching can occur. Pustular psoriasis can appear
in small areas on the hands and feet or can be wide spread over large areas of
the body.
Erythrodermic
Psoriasis
This is probably the rarest
form of psoriasis but can be quite serious. In most cases it will cover an
entire body with a red rash that will peel, itch and burn. The increased blood
flow to the psoriasis areas can put a strain on the heart. It is believed that
Erythrodermic psoriasis can be brought on by severe sunburn or certain types of
medications. Sometimes other forms of psoriasis can turn into erythrodermic
psoriasis if they are not kept under control.
