The Various Types of Psoriasis
The manifestation of psoriasis can occur in multiple ways. Two people who have psoriasis may have completely different symptoms. Psoriasis comes in many types: plaque, flexural, pustular, and guttate psoriasis.
Plaque psoriasis is the most prevalent type as it makes up approximately 80-90% of cases involving psoriasis. This form is characterized as white rashes covering skin that is swollen and raised, which are referred to as plaques.
Flexural Psoriasis
Flexural psoriasis can be described as patches of skin that are soft and swollen, found often in skin folds. Usually, the genital area, below heavy stomach folds, breasts, and armpits are the areas where this type forms. Abrasion and sweat can cause the condition to get worse while also being more inclined to fungal infections.
Pustular psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis are characterized as tiny, puss filled boils. These boils are known as pustules. Surrounding the pustules is skin that is very reddish and sensitive. While pustular psoriasis can only appear on hands and feet, it can also spread to all parts of the body as big patches. When only the hands and feet are affected, it's referred to as palmoplantar pustular psoriasis.
Guttate Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis are present on the skin in the form of flaky lesions that are tear shaped, red, and small. Most of these patches appear on the stomach, but typically they can be found in many different areas of the body. The legs, hands, and scalp are other known areas.
Nail Psoriasis
When nails on the feet and hands take on a drastic change, this type is known as nail psoriasis. The changes could include nail pitting, discolored nails, loose nails, crumbling nails, and cracked nails. Another sign is when the skin below the nails becomes abnormally thick. The condition where the nail begins to break loose from the root of the finger is known as onycholysis.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis can occur as a result of psoriasis. Joint and connective tissue swelling is what leads to this condition. While psoriastic arthritis is predominantly seen in the toe and finger joints, all the bodies joints can be affected, including the spinal cord, knee, and hip.
While there are many variations of psoriasis, some of them do share some similar symptoms. Because these symptoms can be clearly identified, psoriasis stands out from all other diseases no matter which part of the body it affects.