Types of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a disease which affects the skin and joints. It is a rather common ailment that is found across the world. It’s not only cosmatically important, but also results in both social and emotional stress. Symptoms include red scaly patches on the skin, called psoriatic plaques. In these areas, skin rapidly accumulates and takes a silvery white appearance. Psoriasis occurs when the immune system does not function properly due to imbalance in ACID and ALKALI. The reason behind this imbalance is wrong and unhealthy food habits, faulty lifestyle, excessive stress and pollution.
Plaque Psoriasis
It is the most common type of Psoriasis. The skin turns red and is covered with silvery scales. Inflammation may also be observed. Patches can be circular to oval in shape. Itch or burn is a typical sign of plaque psoriasis. The patches are usually found on the arms, legs, trunk, or scalp, but may also be found on any part of the body. The most common areas are knees and elbows.
Guttate Psoriasis
Guttate Psoriasis appears to be small, salmon-pink (or red) drops on the skin. The word “guttate” is derived from the latin word “gutta”, meaning drop. Usually, fine scales are found on the drop like lesion which are much finer than the scales in Plaque Psoriasis. Guttate Psoriasis usually occurs on the trunk, arms or legs. However, it may cover a large area of the body. This type of psoriasis often ‘runs its course’ and may even disappear without treatment in a few weeks. Some cases are persistent and may require treatment.
Pustular Psoriasis
Pustular Psoriasis is not a very common type. People with this kind of Psoriasis have clearly defined, raised bumps on the skin that are filled with pus (pustules). The skin under and around these bumps is reddish. A large portion of the skin becomes red due to this Psoriasis. The skin changes may be noticed before commencement, during or after a flare up.
Inverse Psoriasis
Bright red, smooth (not scaly) patches are found in the folds of the skin. The most common areas affected are under the breasts, in the armpits, near the genitals, under the buttocks or in the abdominal folds. The affected areas are aggravated by sweat and rubbing of the skin. Yeast overgrowth may trigger the skin lesions of Psoriasis.
Erythrodermic
This is the least common type of Psoriasis and can prove to be quite serious. A large area of the body turns bright red and is inflamed. The body can appear red with peeling scaly rashes. The rash usually itches or burns.
Nail Psoriasis
The nails are often affected by Psoriasis. In fact, 80 to 90% of the people with Psoriasis will have nail changes at some point. The fingernails are more often affected than the toenails. Nail deformities may be of various types.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis is a specific condition in which a person has both Psoriasis and Arthritis. Person with Psoriasis may also suffer from joint pains; if the condition remains untreated joint deformities may be formed.