Psoriasis is a auto-immune skin condition that inflames the skin and turns the affected area scaly and red. It is a common condition that affects about 3.5% of the population. It’s estimated that about one in every 100 individuals will develop psoriasis in their lifetime. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all condition, as it affects different people differently.
There are multiple types of psoriasis that have different symptoms and treatments. If you have been diagnosed with this skin condition or suspect you may have it, read on to learn more about its different forms:
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- Plaque psoriasis
It is the most commonly seen form of psoriasis. The skin condition is characterised by patches of red, inflamed skin covered with silvery scales typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, and buttocks.
Plaques can vary in size from less than one inch to several inches across. Although they tend to be more common on the trunk than on other areas of the body, they may also occur on the face or legs.
The exact cause of plaque psoriasis is not known; however, it is known that genetic factors play an essential role in its development.
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- Guttate psoriasis
It is a common form of the disease and can appear at any age. It’s also known as “drop-plaque” psoriasis, as it looks like small drops or spots on the skin.
Guttate psoriasis may occur when you have a strep throat infection or some other type of bacterial or viral infection. Therefore, it’s imperative to see your doctor if you spot symptoms of guttate psoriasis after being sick.
If you have guttate psoriasis, you’ll likely see several small red spots on areas of your body that are covered by clothing (like on the back of your neck), usually within 2 weeks after becoming infected with an illness such as strep throat or mononucleosis (mono). These spots look like little drops and usually aren’t painful unless they come in contact with clothing—then they become inflamed and irritated.
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- Pustular psoriasis
It is a rare form of psoriasis that is characterised by small, pus-filled blisters on the skin. It can be itchy, painful, and may be triggered by infections or stress. Pustular psoriasis is usually found on the trunk and extremities.
If you have pustular psoriasis, you should see a dermatologist for treatment because it’s important to identify what caused your rash so you can avoid being exposed to that trigger in the future.
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- Nail psoriasis
It is a common type of psoriasis that causes the nails to thicken and become inflamed. Nail psoriasis can be mild, but it can also be very severe in some cases. The condition may cause tiny pits or dents to appear on your fingernails or toenails, which are called pitting (also known as pitting edema or hyperkeratosis).
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- Inverse psoriasis
It is a type of psoriasis that causes red patches on the skin. It is different from plaque psoriasis in that it does not cause scaling and can be associated with itching and burning sensations. Inverse psoriasis causes small red spots to appear on the skin, which eventually develop into papules (small bumps) or pustules (blisters). The affected area may also become scaly as well as inflamed if it becomes infected by bacteria or fungi.
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- Erythrodermic psoriasis
It is a rare form of psoriasis that causes redness and swelling in the tissues beneath the skin, causing it to peel off. It can also affect other organs, such as the lungs or kidneys.
The cause of this type of psoriasis is unknown, but it may be triggered by an infection or some other immune reaction to bacteria or viruses. Typically, erythrodermic psoriasis develops from plaque type psoriasis after treatment with medication has stopped working for you. If you have erythrodermic psoriasis on your body, don’t take over-the-counter medications without first consulting with your doctor because they could make things worse!
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- Psoriatic arthritis
It is a type of inflammatory arthritis associated with the skin condition psoriasis. It can cause pain, swelling and stiffness in your joints. The symptoms usually develop slowly over time and may include:
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- Joint pain that gets worse in the morning or when you’re inactive
- Joint swelling that can last for days if you don’t treat it
- Tenderness when touching your joints or muscles
Skincare tips to control psoriasis flares
Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune condition that affects the skin. It can be very uncomfortable, but there are ways to help you live with psoriasis. Here are some skincare tips to follow:
1. Use moisturisers
Moisturisers help keep your skin hydrated and reduce dryness and itching. When choosing a moisturiser, look for one that contains ingredients like aloe vera or shea butter. You should also avoid any products with fragrances or dyes as these can irritate your skin further.
2. Keep your nails short
Long nails can damage the skin on your fingers and make it more vulnerable to infection. Keep them short by filing them down every few days so they don’t scratch against your clothing or bedsheets when you’re sleeping at night (which can cause irritation).
3. Take long showers
Longer showers allow soap scum and other debris from building up on your body during each wash session; this buildup makes it easier for bacteria to thrive in warm environments like bathrooms where humidity levels tend to be higher than normal rooms in homes since they’re not used often enough
In a nutshell
Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects the immune system. It’s caused by an overactive immune system and results in scaly, red patches on your body. There are different types of psoriasis with symptoms that can vary from person to person, but one thing is for sure: it sucks for everyone who has it!
We hope this article has helped you to understand the different types of psoriasis. The best thing to do if you think you might have this disease is see your doctor and get tested.
