There are five different types of psoriasis, some of which may coexist, although in most cases it is only type that will be predominant. Other types of psoriasis may appear and remain for long periods of time or clear up quickly with the return of the predominant plaque appearance. The treatment for each type of psoriasis is similar but it should be monitored by a dermatologist and the appropriate course of treatment should be initiated at the right time.
Stable Plaque Psoriasis
This is the most common type of psoriasis and is also referred to as psoriasis vulgaris (vulgaris ~ common). It has the typical appearance of psoriasis – clearly demarcated areas with red, raised borders and dry, flaky skin in the center.
The skin is thick and appears silvery-white. It may also affect the scalp, nails and palms.
Guttate Psoriasis Picture from John Hopkin's Medical University
Guttate Psoriasis
This type of psoriasis more commonly appears in children, teens and young adults. It often follows a strep sore throat and if this is the first appearance of the disease, guttate psoriasis may be the initial presentation followed by the development of stable plaque psoriasis.
The lesions are small oval spots (usually less than 1cm in diameter), red in color and scaly. The scales are much smaller than the skin flakes seen in plaque psoriasis. Apart from strep throat, it may also be seen as the initial presentation following the use of certain drugs and skin injury.
Inverse Psoriasis Picture from John Hopkin's Medical University
Inverse Psoriasis
This is usually seen on the folds of the body (flexures) like under the arms (armpits), breasts and groin. It is not thick like plaque psoriasis and is usually red, smooth and shiny.
Overweight psoriasis patients with extra folds like on the abdomen are likely to develop widespread cases of inverse psoriasis. These lesions are more prone to irritation from sweating and trauma from underwear and tight clothing. Bacterial or fungal infections of the skin are more likely to occur at these sites.
Many psoriasis sufferers develop an yeast skin infection on areas where inverse psoriasis is present.
Pustular Psoriasis
There are types of pustular psoriasis – generalized or localized. This in turn can be acute, subacute or chronic. Generalized pustular psoriasis is uncommon but can be very serious when it does occur. Tiny pus filled pimples known as pustules are the characteristic feature of this type of psoriasis.
Pustular Psoriasis Picture from John Hopkin's University
The white pustules are surrounded by red skin and while the pustules are usually sterile, it can quickly become infected. As it dries, the pustules form yellow to brown patches that are dry and scaly. The localized form of pustular psoriasis is commonly seen on the palms and soles.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
This is a rare type of psoriasis which affects large parts of the body or at times, the entire body. The affected areas look red and scaly and is very itchy. The inflammation at these sites is pronounced and therefore pain may also be present. Affected skin will not be able to maintain its normal functioning like temperature regulation so if a large area of the body is affected, hypothermia or hyperthermia is possible.
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