Did you know that not all psoriasis is the same, and psoriasis affects different people in different ways? In fact, there are five types of psoriasis: Plaque psoriasis, Guttate, Inverse, Pustular, and Erythrodermic.[1] Let’s take a look at each one in a little more detail.
Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. With this, one might experience raised, red and itchy skin patches, or plaques. The plaques are often covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin resembling scales. These plaques can be painful and may bleed if scratched excessively. This type of psoriasis is most usually found on the outside of the knees or elbows, the scalp, the lower back, the face, the palms and soles of the feet. [2]
Guttate Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis is a less common form of psoriasis. In fact, less than a third of people who suffer from psoriasis develop this type. Guttate usually shows up on your skin as red, scaly, small teardrop-shaped spots. It typically does not scar, but in some cases it may never go away. The spots you get are not usually as thick as the ones from plaque psoriasis, but it is possible to have both kinds of psoriasis at once.[3]
Inverse Psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis that affects between 3-7% of people with psoriasis. The location and appearance of this type of psoriasis is what sets it apart from the other types. The lesions for Inverse Psoriasis are red, smooth and shiny rather than raised and scaly and are found in folds of skin. The most common places are in the armpits, groin, under the breasts and in the genital area. People who are overweight are more likely to develop this kind of psoriasis because of the deep skin folds. People with inverse psoriasis are also more likely to have other types of psoriasis on other parts of the body.
Pustular Psoriasis
Pustular Psoriasis is also a rare form of psoriasis. Initially the skin will become red and tender, and one may have symptoms such as headache, fever, chills, joint pain, and nausea. Then the blisters appear. Pustular psoriasis will appear as raised bumps that are filled with a thick white fluid, also known as pus. The most common places for this to occur are on the anal and genital areas and skin folds. Within a day of the blisters forming they will coalesce causing the skin to dry and peel off in sheets. The skin underneath is a smooth red surface where the blisters can return to repeat the process for days or weeks. Occasionally once the pustular psoriasis has cleared a more classical plaque psoriasis could follow.[4]
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Erythrodermic Psoriasis is another rare form of psoriasis, but it is the most aggressive form. This form of psoriasis mainly affects people who already have an unstable form of plaque psoriasis. This type of psoriasis causes a severe peeling rash that covers the entire surface of one’s body. The rash itches and burns intensely and can spread very quickly.
Now that you know a little more about each type of psoriasis, it is important to consider all your treatment options before deciding what is best for your psoriasis. New England Research Associates has a Plaque Psoriasis study enrolling now and we need volunteers. All study related care may be provided at no cost and compensation is available for qualified participants. You could be receiving a new treatment not yet available to the public and you could be playing a major part in advancing treatment options for your condition! Click here to learn more: http://neresearch.org/clinical-trials/#!/study/120
[1] https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis
[2] https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/types/plaque
[3] https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/guttate-psoriasis#1
[4] https://www.emedicinehealth.com/pustular_psoriasis/article_em.htm#what_are_pustular_psoriasis_symptoms_and_signs
