Psoriasis is a condition of the skin that is characterized by thick red or silver marks that have the appearance of scales. It is a chronic, or long-term, condition. It is an inflammatory condition that is associated with the body's immune system. The immune system produces white blood cells called T cells, which attack viruses and bacteria, helping to protect the body against disease and infection. With psoriasis, the T cells attack skin cells. This causes the body to react, causing swelling and the overproduction of skin cells. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, there are five psoriasis diseases.
Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common psoriasis disease. Of the people who have psoriasis, 80 percent of plaque psoriasis. This form of psoriasis is characterized by the formation of red lesions, typically on the scalp, lower back, knees and elbows. The lesions are inflamed, raised and covered with silvery white dead skin cells.
Inverse Psoriasis
People who have inverse psoriasis are typically affected in the groin, armpits and in skin folds near the buttocks and genitals. Inverse psoriasis can also be found under breasts. The lesions that are produced from inverse psoriasis are shiny and bright red. The affected areas can become irritated due to rubbing and perspiration because of the skin folds.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis can affect most of the body surface. Large areas of skin can periodically turn fiery red. Scales can form and come off the body in sheets. The affected areas can be painful and itchy. The body temperature can fluctuate, and the heart rate may increase. Outbreaks of erythrodermic psoriasis can be dangerous due to the loss of proteins. Medical attention should be sought immediately when an outbreak occurs.
Pustular Psoriasis
In cases off pustular psoriasis, there is the appearance of white blisters that are filled with pus. The pus is not infectious. There are three types of pustular psoriasis.
Von Zumbusch pustular psoriasis causes abrupt outbreaks that are characterized by painful red skin over large areas of the body. Blisters then form on the areas. The person may experience chills, an elevated pulse, fever and dehydration. Medical attention should be sought in an outbreak of von Zumbusch pustular psoriasis.
Palmoplantar pustulosis psoriasis is characterized by blisters on the fleshy parts of the hands and the soles of feet.
The lesions associated with acropustulosis psoriasis, the third type of pustular psoriasis, occur on fingertips and the ends of toes.
Guttate Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis usually starts when people are young adults or children. This form of psoriasis is characterized by lesions that are not as thick as with other psoriasis diseases. The lesions appear as individual spots that are small and red. These spots usually affect the trunk of the body and the limbs.
