One of the most common skin conditions is psoriasis. Data shows that 125 million people suffer from psoriasis worldwide. But what is this condition and what are the most prevalent types of psoriasis? Read on.
What Is Psoriasis?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that occurs when skin cells are produced too quickly which causes them to pile up and create patches on the skin.
Psoriasis can appear on any part of the body but most commonly affects the areas such as:
Patches on the skin caused by psoriasis appear to be dry and scaly, and usually burns or stings. However, these patches can alternately flare up and subside for some periods.
Types of psoriasis can be distinguished from one another based on how they look and where they appear on the body. However, it’s possible for one person to develop more than one kind of psoriasis.
Types of Psoriasis
There are several types of psoriasis that appear on different parts of the body. Your healthcare provider can help determine which of the types of psoriasis you have in order to determine which type of treatment will be best for you. Below are the types of psoriasis and their individual characteristics:
Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is among the most prevalent types of psoriasis. This disease appears as raised, red, and thick patches of skin covered with a silvery build-up of dead skin. These patches differ in size and most often appear on the lower back, elbows, knees, or scalp. They often itch, and they can crack and bleed.
Guttate Psoriasis
This type of psoriasis is the second most common among the types of psoriasis, next to plaque psoriasis. It’s characterized by multiple, small, and drop-shaped lesions that usually appear on a person’s trunk or limbs. Guttate psoriasis mostly affects children or young adults, and it’s usually triggered by a bacterial infection such as strep throat.
Inverse Psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis or intertriginous psoriasis usually affects folds of the body like the groin or buttocks. It appears as very red and smooth lesions that worsen through friction or sweat.
Pustular Psoriasis
This rare form of psoriasis primarily affects the hands and feet, causing painful blisters and scaly skin that’s easily prone to cracking
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
This type of psoriasis is the most uncommon yet most dangerous type of psoriasis causing most areas of the skin to appear extremely red and “burnt.” Erythrodermic psoriasis can be life-threatening if left untreated.
How so? The skin, the largest organ of your body, plays an integral role in managing your body temperature, keeping you hydrated, and more importantly, protecting you against germs and other harmful toxins. Erythrodermic psoriasis affects your skin’s functions, making you vulnerable to other diseases.
If not managed, this type of psoriasis can lead to fatal outcomes due to hypothermia, sepsis, pneumonia, shock, kidney failure, and heart failure, among others.
Nail Psoriasis
This type of psoriasis affects primarily your nails on both feet and hands. It causes abnormal growth and discoloration. One of the signs and symptoms is the affected nails separating from the bed and may cause the nail to more easily disintegrate.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Like other types of arthritis, psoriatic arthritis is painful and uncomfortable, causing joints to become swollen. Sometimes the joint symptoms are the only symptom that become noticeable. Other times, its nail changes. It can make movement difficult as it causes stiffness and is a progressive condition that causes serious, lifelong damage.
Symptoms of Psoriasis
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of psoriasis a person has. However, the most common signs and symptoms of psoriasis are the following:
- Skin that’s dry, itchy, and prone to cracking
- Nails that appear to be thicker or ridged
- Stiff joints
- Skin that’s red and scaly
Causes of Psoriasis
The exact cause of psoriasis is still unknown up to this very day. However, scientists and doctors now know that a person’s immune system and genes can influence the development of psoriasis in a person.
If someone in your family has psoriasis, then there’s a greater chance that you’ll develop this disease. But, psoriasis isn’t passed from one person to another because it’s not a communicable disease.
Psoriasis flare-ups are usually caused by “triggers”, such as:
- Stress
- Dry or cold climates
- Alcohol consumption (especially excessive amounts)
- Skin injuries
- Infections
- Smoking or being exposed to secondhand smoke
- Taking medications like lithium, prednisone, and hydroxychloroquine
Key Takeaways
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes red, itchy, and scaly patches on the skin. If you suspect that you have psoriasis, it’s best to consult with your health practitioner before attempting to treat your affected skin.
Learn more about Skin Health here.
