1. The Appearance of Silvery Scales
The most common form of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis. Patients with this type of psoriasis frequently may exhibit thick patches of reddish skin all over the body, but especially on the elbows, knees, scalp or groin. Some patients have reported patches in their mouth or genital region. These patches, also known as plaques, are covered with silver-tinted scales. Patients commonly report a burning sensation associated with the patches. In addition, patients frequently experience itching and other discomfort. There may be a few spotty patches or many patches, depending on the severity of the condition. In very severe cases, patients present with cracking and bleeding in the skin located around the joints.
2. Psoriasis in the Young
Guttate psoriasis, which most commonly affects young people under the age of 30, often develops secondary to a bacterial infection. This type of psoriasis produces red, scaly patches that look like raindrops. The patches frequently appear on the abdominal region, legs and arms. Guttate psoriasis doesn't always produce the significant scaling associated with plaque psoriasis. While guttate psoriasis frequently heals without treatment, it may return repeatedly, especially if the person suffers from frequently bacterial infections.
3. Psoriasis on Nails or Scalp
Psoriasis also occurs on the scalp and nails. Psoriasis of the scalp, known as scalp psoriasis, presents as red itchy areas or patches that are covered with the silver-colored scales. The patches are itchy and may cause you to scratch your scalp frequently. Repeated scratching frequently causes white flakes to shed from the patches. Another form of psoriasis appears on the nails. When this happens, a person often notices that the fingernails or toenails change color and texture. Sometimes the nails loosen and pull away from the nail bed. If the condition becomes severe enough, the nail may actually separate into small pieces.
4. Rare Types and Symptoms of Psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis and pustular psoriasis are two rare types of psoriasis. Pustular psoriasis progresses rapidly. Initially, a person may notice red patches; however, within a few hours, the patches turn to blisters and fill with pus. Even though the blisters dry after a few days, it's not uncommon for the area to fill with pus again. This condition may be localized or occur over a large portion of the body. Another rare form condition is erythrodermic psoriasis. This type of psoriasis, which frequently begins as another form of psoriasis, causes an itchy and uncomfortable rash to appear over a large portion of the body.
5. Joint Pain From Psoriatic Psoriasis
Patients with psoriatic psoriasis suffer from significant joint pain. In addition, the joints may appear red and swollen. Some patients notice that the joints are hot to the touch. While the condition isn't typically as severe as other forms of arthritis, it does have the potential to lead to joint damage if untreated.
