Types of Psoriasis

The most common type is plaque psoriasis. There are many variations of psoriasis. Each varies with others in the site affected, look, treatment and severity. The other types are pustular psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis, scalp psoriasis, inverse psoriasis and psoriasis on nails. Your doctor will diagnose the type and begin your treatment accordingly. Some patients of psoriasis can also develop symptoms of arthritis and develop disability of joints.

Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. It mainly affects areas such as elbows, lower back, knees and abdomen. Plaque psoriasis is a chronic type of psoriasis and becomes difficult to treat on a long term. In plaque psoriasis, plaques or patches of psoriatic skin appear on the affected place. The color is generally red-silvery. The flakes of dead skin fall off from the plaques. Small plaques may also join to form large patches of psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis is commonly treated with topical medicine. In case of severe psoriasis, ultra violet radiation is used (PUVA). Oral medications may be used under medical care and help in quicker recovery. In topical medications, steroids and coal tar are commonly used.

Pustular Psoriasis
In pustular psoriasis, fluid filled pustules appear on the red skin. The pustules collapse after a day or two and new pustules appear. If pustular psoriasis appears on a wide area of the body, it can be life threatening. In some cases, pustular psoriasis appears on palms and soles. It is called localized pustular psoriasis. Fever-like symptoms may accompany the outbreak of pustular psoriasis. It is treated with topical or oral medications. This kind of psoriasis needs total care under medical supervision.

Guttate Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis is characterized by small tear-like red drops that appear on the skin. Gutta means tear drops in Latin and the name of this psoriasis is derived from gutta. Guttate psoriasis mainly affects the trunk part of the body. The red looking drops of skin rashes clear soon in most of the cases. The treatment is commonly done with steroids, coal tar, etc. If needed, PUVA is used.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis can be fatal at times. In erythrodermic psoriasis, the skin appears red. Though skin may get erythroderma or redness due to other causes also, psoriasis is one of the common reasons. Erythrodermic psoriasis may appear as a worsening condition of psoriasis. Erythrodermic psoriasis needs treatment in hospital setting. The common triggers of erythrodermic psoriasis are- withdrawal of oral steroids or strong topical steroids, some medications, infections and low calcium.

Scalp Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis shows as thick silvery scales on red skin. Scalp psoriasis commonly occurs on the back of the scalp, but may also show all around the scalp. Though scalp psoriasis is most often covered with hair, it may also extend beyond the hair line. This is a socially embarrassing condition. Most of the times, it is confused with dandruff in the beginning. Scalp psoriasis may occur along with psoriasis on the body or all alone. Because of its location below the hair, treatment becomes difficult. Medicated shampoos, specially formulated steroid creams and other topical applications are used to treat scalp psoriasis.

Inverse Psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis affects the armpits, groin, the skin around the genitals and below the breasts. Inverse psoriasis is common with obese people and forms red inflamed skin patches. Friction and sweating aggravates this psoriasis and thats why, it is commonly found in areas with higher sweating and friction. It is treated with steroids, coal tar and other topical medications for psoriasis.

Nail Psoriasis
Very often, nail psoriasis occurs with psoriatic arthritis. In psoriatic arthritis, along with the red and scaly skin, the nails get discolored, pitted and deformed. The arthritis may pain the joints and in severe condition, it may cause permanent deformity of joints. Nail psoriasis is difficult to treat satisfactorily.

Article Source: http://www.doctorgoodskin.com/ds/psoriasis/types.php


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