7 Types of Psoriasis, Symptoms, Treatment and Triggers

February 23, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in Psoriasis

Types of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes the skin to become red, inflamed, and covered with silvery scales. It is a non-contagious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system, which triggers the rapid growth of skin cells. Normally, skin cells grow slowly and are shed over time. In psoriasis, the skin cells multiply rapidly, leading to a buildup of cells on the surface of the skin.

Here’s how you can spot the 7 types of psoriasis and what you can do to treat them.

1. Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis, affecting about 80-90% of people with psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, resulting in the buildup of thick, scaly patches on the skin.

These patches can be itchy and painful, and can occur anywhere on the body, but it often pops up in these areas:

  • Elbows
  • Knees
  • Scalp
  • Lower back

Symptoms

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis, and it is characterized by raised, red patches of skin covered with silvery scales. Some of the most common symptoms of plaque psoriasis include:

  • Raised, red patches of skin: These patches are typically covered with silvery-white scales and can be itchy or painful. They most commonly appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, but can appear anywhere on the body.
  • Dry, cracked skin: Plaque psoriasis can cause the skin to become dry, cracked, and prone to bleeding.
  • Thickened, pitted nails: In some cases, plaque psoriasis can also affect the nails, causing them to become thickened, pitted, or ridged.
  • Joint pain and stiffness: Some people with plaque psoriasis also experience joint pain and stiffness, which may be a sign of psoriatic arthritis.
  • Itching and burning: The raised patches of skin can be itchy and burning, and scratching can make the condition worse.
  • Scalp psoriasis: Plaque psoriasis can affect the scalp, causing redness, scaling, and itching.

The severity of plaque psoriasis can vary from person to person, and some people may only experience mild symptoms while others may have more severe symptoms.

Triggers

It can be triggered by various factors, such as:

  • Stress
  • Infection
  • Injury to the skin
  • Certain medications

Treatment

Treatment for plaque psoriasis typically involves a combination of topical creams, oral medications, and light therapy. It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and symptoms.

2. Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, resulting in the development of small, scaly spots on the skin. It is most common in children and young adults. It can occur anywhere on the body, but is most commonly found in these areas:

  • Trunk
  • Arms
  • Legs

Symptoms

Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that is characterized by small, drop-shaped lesions that appear on the skin. Some of the most common symptoms of guttate psoriasis include:

  • Small, red, drop-shaped lesions: These lesions are typically small, about the size of a pencil eraser, and appear on the trunk, arms, legs, and scalp. They may be raised or flat and can be itchy or painful.
  • Sudden onset: Guttate psoriasis often appears suddenly, sometimes after an infection such as strep throat.
  • Scaling: The lesions may be covered with fine scales that can flake off.
  • Dry skin: The affected areas of skin may be dry and prone to cracking or bleeding.
  • Itching: The lesions can be itchy and uncomfortable.
  • Nail changes: In some cases, guttate psoriasis can affect the nails, causing them to become pitted or ridged.

The severity of guttate psoriasis can vary from person to person, and some people may only experience mild symptoms while others may have more severe symptoms.

Triggers

It is often triggered by an infection, such as strep throat, and can appear suddenly. It is most common in children and young adults.

Treatment

Treatment for guttate psoriasis typically involves topical creams, oral medications, and light therapy. In addition to treating the psoriasis, it’s important to treat any underlying infections or illnesses that may be triggering the condition. It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and symptoms.

3. Inverse Psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that appears as smooth, red, and inflamed patches of skin in areas where skin folds or creases. These areas can include:

  • Under the breasts
  • Armpits
  • Groin
  • Between the buttocks

Inverse psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, resulting in inflammation and irritation in areas where skin folds or creases. It is more common in people who are overweight or have deep skin folds. Inverse psoriasis can be uncomfortable and can cause itching and pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of inverse psoriasis include:

  • Smooth, shiny patches of skin: Inverse psoriasis often appears as smooth, shiny patches of red skin that are not covered with scales.
  • Skin irritation: The affected areas of skin may be itchy, painful, and prone to sweating.
  • Sensitivity: Inverse psoriasis can cause the affected areas of skin to be very sensitive to friction, such as from clothing or rubbing.
  • Intertrigo: Inverse psoriasis can lead to a condition called intertrigo, which is a fungal or bacterial infection that develops in the folds of the skin.
  • Lesions that worsen with sweating: The affected areas of skin may worsen with sweating or friction, leading to more irritation and discomfort.
  • Thickened skin: Over time, the affected areas of skin may become thicker and more prone to cracking or bleeding.

The severity of inverse psoriasis can vary from person to person, and some people may only experience mild symptoms while others may have more severe symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment for inverse psoriasis typically involves topical creams, ointments, and powders, as well as light therapy. It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and symptoms.

4. Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that is characterized by the presence of small, pus-filled blisters on the skin. These blisters can appear on various parts of the body, including the hands and feet, and can be very painful and itchy.

Pustular psoriasis can be divided into several subtypes, including:

  • Von Zumbusch psoriasis: This is a severe form of pustular psoriasis that can cause fever, chills, and dehydration, as well as widespread redness and scaling of the skin.
  • Palmoplantar pustulosis: This type of pustular psoriasis affects the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, causing painful, pus-filled blisters and red, scaly skin.
  • Acropustulosis: This type of pustular psoriasis affects the fingertips and nails, causing the nails to become pitted and discolored, and the fingertips to become red, painful, and swollen.
  • Generalized pustular psoriasis: This type of pustular psoriasis can affect the entire body, causing widespread redness, scaling, and painful, pus-filled blisters.

Symptoms

The symptoms of pustular psoriasis can vary depending on the type of pustular psoriasis a person has, but some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Pus-filled blisters: The hallmark symptom of pustular psoriasis is the presence of pus-filled blisters on the skin, which can be painful and itchy. These blisters may appear in clusters or in widespread areas.
  • Redness and scaling: The skin around the blisters may be red and scaly.
  • Fever: Some people with pustular psoriasis may develop a fever.
  • Fatigue: Pustular psoriasis can cause fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell.
  • Joint pain and swelling: In some cases, pustular psoriasis can be associated with joint pain and swelling, which may be a sign of psoriatic arthritis.
  • Nausea and vomiting: In rare cases, pustular psoriasis can cause nausea and vomiting.

The severity of pustular psoriasis can vary from person to person, and some people may only experience mild symptoms while others may have more severe symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment for pustular psoriasis typically involves a combination of topical creams, oral medications, and light therapy. It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and symptoms.

5. Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare but severe type of psoriasis that affects nearly the entire surface of the skin. It is characterized by intense redness, scaling, and shedding of the skin. The condition can cause the skin to appear as though it has been burned, and can be accompanied by severe itching and pain.

Symptoms

Erythrodermic psoriasis can be life-threatening if left untreated, as the condition can lead to dehydration, infection, and other complications. The symptoms of erythrodermic psoriasis include:

  • Redness: The skin may be red and inflamed all over the body.
  • Scaling: The skin may shed large, thin scales or develop a peeling rash.
  • Itching: The skin may be extremely itchy, leading to scratching and discomfort.
  • Burning or pain: The skin may feel hot, burning, or painful.
  • Swelling: The affected areas of skin may be swollen.
  • Fluid retention: Erythrodermic psoriasis can cause fluid retention, leading to swelling in the legs and other areas of the body.
  • Increased heart rate: Erythrodermic psoriasis can cause an increased heart rate.
  • Fever: Some people with erythrodermic psoriasis may develop a fever.
  • Fatigue: Erythrodermic psoriasis can cause fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell.

Because erythrodermic psoriasis is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition, it requires prompt medical attention.

Triggers

The condition can be triggered by a number of factors, including:

  • Certain medications
  • Infection
  • Withdrawal from corticosteroids

Treatment

Treatment for erythrodermic psoriasis typically involves hospitalization and a combination of topical creams, oral medications, and other therapies to help manage the symptoms and prevent complications. It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and symptoms.

6. Nail Psoriasis

Nail psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that affects the nails. It can cause a variety of changes to the nails, including discoloration, pitting, thickening, separation of the nail from the nail bed, and deformation of the nail.

Symptoms

Nail psoriasis affects the nails of the fingers and toes, and the symptoms of nail psoriasis can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some of the most common symptoms of nail psoriasis include:

  • Pitting: Nail psoriasis can cause small pits to form on the surface of the nails.
  • Discoloration: The nails may turn yellow, brown, or green.
  • Thickening: The nails may become thicker than normal.
  • Separation: The nail may separate from the nail bed.
  • Crumbling: The nail may become brittle and start to crumble.
  • Abnormal nail growth: The nail may grow in an abnormal shape or become deformed.
  • Pain: Nail psoriasis can cause pain and discomfort, especially if the nails become infected.

Nail psoriasis can also be associated with other types of psoriasis, such as plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. In some cases, nail psoriasis may be the only symptom of psoriasis, making it difficult to diagnose.

Treatment

Treatment for nail psoriasis typically involves a combination of topical creams, oral medications, and light therapy. In addition, people with nail psoriasis may be advised to keep their nails trimmed short, wear comfortable shoes, and avoid activities that put stress on the nails, such as repetitive gripping or tapping. It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and symptoms.

7. Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that can occur in people who have psoriasis. It is an inflammatory condition that affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint in the body, but is most commonly found in the fingers, toes, knees, and ankles. The exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is unknown, but it is believed to be related to an overactive immune system.

Symptoms

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that can develop in people with psoriasis. The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis can vary from person to person and may include:

  • Joint pain: Psoriatic arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. The joints may be tender to the touch and may feel warm.
  • Fatigue: Psoriatic arthritis can cause fatigue and a feeling of general malaise.
  • Reduced range of motion: The affected joints may have a reduced range of motion, making it difficult to perform daily activities.
  • Morning stiffness: Psoriatic arthritis can cause morning stiffness that lasts for more than 30 minutes.
  • Swollen fingers and toes: Psoriatic arthritis can cause the fingers and toes to become swollen and sausage-like.
  • Nail changes: Psoriatic arthritis can cause changes to the nails, such as pitting, splitting, and thickening.
  • Eye problems: Some people with psoriatic arthritis may experience eye problems, such as conjunctivitis or uveitis.
  • Skin symptoms: Psoriatic arthritis is associated with psoriasis, so people with psoriatic arthritis may also experience skin symptoms, such as red, scaly patches.

It’s important to see a healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent joint damage and other complications.

Treatment

Treatment for psoriatic arthritis typically involves a combination of medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologic agents. In addition, physical therapy and lifestyle changes such as exercise and weight loss may be recommended to help manage symptoms and improve overall health. It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and symptoms.

Triggers of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, leading to the formation of thick, scaly patches on the skin. Although the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, researchers believe that a combination of genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of the condition.

Some of the most common triggers of psoriasis include:

  • Stress: Stress is a well-known trigger for psoriasis, as it can cause the immune system to become overactive and worsen inflammation. Stressful events such as a job loss, a divorce, or a major illness can all trigger psoriasis flare-ups.
  • Infections: Certain infections can trigger psoriasis, especially streptococcal infections such as strep throat. Other infections that have been linked to psoriasis include respiratory infections, skin infections, and thrush.
  • Medications: Certain medications can trigger psoriasis or make existing psoriasis worse. These include beta blockers, lithium, antimalarial drugs, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
  • Injury to the skin: Injuries to the skin, such as cuts, burns, and insect bites, can trigger psoriasis in the affected area. This is known as the Koebner phenomenon.
  • Weather: Changes in weather can trigger psoriasis, especially cold, dry weather. Exposure to sunlight can also trigger psoriasis in some people.
  • Alcohol and tobacco use: Heavy alcohol consumption and smoking have both been linked to an increased risk of psoriasis and can trigger flare-ups in people with existing psoriasis.
  • Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause, can trigger psoriasis or make existing psoriasis worse.
  • Diet: While the role of diet in psoriasis is not well understood, some people report that certain foods trigger their psoriasis. Common triggers include gluten, dairy products, and nightshade vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers.

It’s important to note that while these triggers can contribute to psoriasis flare-ups, not everyone with psoriasis will be affected by all of these triggers. Additionally, triggers can vary from person to person, so it’s important to pay attention to your own body and identify the triggers that affect you personally. Working closely with a healthcare provider and following a treatment plan can also help manage psoriasis symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Overall

The triggers of psoriasis can vary from person to person, and it’s important for individuals with psoriasis to work with a healthcare provider to identify and manage their triggers. While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are several treatment options available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These may include topical medications, phototherapy, systemic medications, and biologic drugs.

Knowing which kind of psoriasis you have helps you and your doctor make a treatment plan. Most people have only one type at a time. Sometimes, after your symptoms go away, a new form of psoriasis will crop up in response to a trigger.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Treatment for nail psoriasis may include topical or oral medications, phototherapy, or surgery in severe cases.

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