A Guide To Know About Different Types Of Psoriasis

July 31, 2020     

Skin is a significant organ of our body, which gives you an aesthetic look. Most of us take good care of the skin as it is prone to various skin infections. There are hundreds of skin conditions that affect your skin, and it is also hard to differentiate. These skin conditions can be mild to chronic. Among them, Psoriasis is one of the most chronic skin disorders. It is said to be caused due to Autoimmune disorder.

Psoriasis occurs when the production of skin cells speeds up, which results in the rapid development of rough, dead skin cells. These skin cells accumulate together and form thick silver or white scaly layers and dry, red patches. These patches are sometimes painful and itchy. Sometimes they appear as pus-filled blisters. These patches can come and go over a few days to months.

Psoriasis is of different types, and you may get affected by more than one kind. Read on and know about various forms of Psoriasis.

Read More About Psoriasis – Symptoms & Causes

Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of Psoriasis that causes dry and red skin plaques surrounded with silvery scales. Nearly 80% to 90% of people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis. In some people, these plaques are itchy or painful and can occur on any part of your body. They may also crack and bleed.

Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis will appear as red skin patches with silvery-white scales. People with plaque psoriasis commonly get affected by scalp psoriasis. In some people, it results in severe dandruff problems. But in others, it is painful, itchy, and noticeable over the hairline. It can even spread to the neck, face, and ears in one large patch or many smaller patches.

Nail Psoriasis

It is a rare type of Psoriasis. It can affect any part of the body, including fingernails and toenails that results in pitting, abnormal growth of nails, and discolouration. These psoriatic nails might become loose and get detached from the nail bed. In some severe cases, nails might crumble. Often this condition is confused with other fungal infections of the nail.

Light therapy, oral medications like methotrexate, and other biologics are suggested as the treatments for this type of Psoriasis.

Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate Psoriasis is the second most common type of Psoriasis affecting around 8% of people living with Psoriasis. Mostly it affects children or young adults. It appears as small reddish spots on the skin, mainly on the neck, arms, and legs. Usually, this condition is triggered by a bacterial infection like strep throat, or stress, and specific medication.

Treatment options such as light therapy, steroid creams, and oral medications are suggested for guttate Psoriasis.

Inverse Psoriasis

Inverse Psoriasis often appears as smooth red patches in the skin folds such as in the armpits, under the breasts and around the groin & genitals. The sweat and moisture in skin folds trigger this form of Psoriasis. Often it is thought to be a fungal or bacterial infection.

Low potency topical steroid creams, light therapy, oral medications, or biologics like injection or intravenous infusion are suggested treatment options.

Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular Psoriasis is a severe psoriasis type that occurs in larger patches or smaller areas on your hands and feet. Mostly it appears in adults. It develops quickly, causing pus-filled blisters(pustules) that appear hours after your skin turns red and tender. These pustules might join together to form scaling and spread to other body parts termed “generalized” pustular Psoriasis.

Steroid creams are suggested for mild pustular Psoriasis. Oral medications, treating underlying causes is recommended for larger patches. Light therapy might be suggested after blisters resolve, and your skin is less irritated.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic Psoriasis is a rare type of Psoriasis. It is also called Exfoliative Psoriasis. It looks like severe burns with a red, peeling rash that can cover your entire body with symptoms like itching or burning sensations. This is a severe condition and requires medical attention immediately. You should stay in the hospital because severe erythrodermic Psoriasis might result in a severe itching and burning sensation, faster heart rate, and body temperature changes.

It can be triggered by corticosteroids or certain medications, sunburn, or a result of other psoriasis types. Treatment of erythrodermic Psoriasis mostly involves oral medicine, medicated wet dressings, topical steroids, and different combinations of therapies.

Psoriasis is of different types and shows various symptoms. While Psoriasis is a long term chronic disease, treatments can relieve and control the symptoms. Usually, it occurs periodically, i.e., when it happens, it stays for a few days to months and goes into remission and might reappear when triggered. Many people think that Psoriasis can spread to others, but it won’t spread from one person to another. Researchers say that genetic mutations and immune system factors cause Psoriasis and other environmental factors are the leading causes of Psoriasis.

If you are experiencing any skin problem, don’t neglect it, it may become severe over time. Psoriasis is one such serious skin problem. For more detailed information or to know treatment options, consult Dr Swapna Priya, one of the best Psoriasis doctors in Hyderabad.