Psoriasis is a skin condition that is often characterized by raised, red, patches of skin. While there is not one common cause of psoriasis, the University of Maryland Medical Center states that it is a response of the body's immune system, and it can be triggered by any number of things, from stress, to an allergic reaction, to infection. There are five main types of psoriasis, each with its own distinctive characteristics.
Plaque Psoriasis
The most common type of psoriasis is called plaque psoriasis. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, it accounts for 80 percent of diagnosed psoriasis conditions. Plaque psoriasis appears as raised, swollen, red patches, often covered with a whitish scale. It often appears on the skin that covers the major joints, such as elbows and knees.
Guttate Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis appears quickly, with tiny bumps that cover the trunk of the body, and often the arms and legs. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that guttate psoriasis often appears in childhood through teen years, and can come and go on its own, often without treatment.
Inverse Psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis most often appears in the areas of the body where skin rubs together and is in constant friction. Armpits, under the breasts and in the groin area are the places on the body it is usually found, and the Mayo Clinic states that it is most prevalent in the obese, which is more than likely due to the excess folds of skin.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis is a serious type of the disease. It is extremely inflammatory and covers much of the body area. The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) states that in erythrodermic psoriasis, there is a great deal of redness and pain, and the scales on the skin are large and often shed with contact. Along with severe pain and itching, the one suffering also can experience an increased heart rate. The NPF also reports that erythrodermic psoriasis can cause potentially fatal loss of protein and fluid from the body, and hospitalization is often required. Triggers for this type can be anything from stopping psoriasis medication to a sun burn.
Pustular Psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis appears as its name implies. The patches of psoriasis on the skin begin to blister and become filled with pus, and eventually crust over. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this type of psoriasis often appears on the feet or the hands, and can accompany any other type of psoriasis.
Any type of psoriasis can also affect the head and nail bed, in which case they are referred to as scalp psoriasis or nail psoriasis.
