Psoriasis Symptoms & Types OmniMedicalSearch.com

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Psoriasis

Symptoms of Psoriasis and the Five Different Types

As mentioned in the Overview section, the most common form of psoriasis that develops is plaque psoriasis. It is characterized by dry, thick red marks or patches covered with white or silver scales. These plaques, or patches, usually form on the knees, elbows, lower back and scalp - but they can occur anywhere on the body including the scalp, fingernails, toenails, genital area and inside the mouth. Plaques cause itching and soreness and in severe cases, fissures or cracks can develop on the sores which lead to bleeding. Plaque psoriasis occurs in about 8 out of 10 psoriasis cases.

According to EmedicineHealth.com, these symptoms of plaque psoriasis have several distinctive features one should look for:

Plaques: Plaques are often elevated from the skin. The shape varies from oval to irregular and smaller plaques can merge together.
Color: Psoriasis lesions usually have a distinctive red color.
Scales: The scales that cover the plaques or lesions are usually white or silverish. The thickness of the scales may vary and if removed, reveal skin underneath the appears shiny.
Scalp: When psoriasis develops on the scalp, it can appear to be dry and crusted, and is often mistake for seborrheic dermatitis. However, in seborrheic dermatitis, the scales are greasy, not dry.
Fingernails and Toenails: Many people with psoriasis develop changes in their toenails and fingernails. These changes are usually characterized as small indentations, rides or pits and can be painful during activities involving your fingers.

Five Different Types of Psoriasis

In addition to these symptoms of plaque psoriasis, other types of psoriasis have their own distinctive symptoms:

1. Guttate psoriasis: Appears as small, red, drop shapes lesions on the torso, limbs and scalp. Guttate psoriasis is the second most common form of psoriasis and is often triggered by streptococcal bacteria infections of the respiratory system.

2. Pustular psoriasis: Appears as pus filled blisters surrounded by red skin. The pus is not infections or contagious. "Pustular psoriasis reportedly may be triggered by internal medications, irritating topical agents, overexposure to UV light, pregnancy, systemic steroids, infections, emotional stress and sudden withdrawal of systemic medications or potent topical steroids."(1) There are 3 types of pustular psoriasis identified by the National Foundation for Psoriasis and include:

(1) Von Zumbusch: Symptoms of widespread red skin that is painful. Von Zumbusch pustular psoriasis usually comes on fast with pustules appearing in a few hours. It CAN be life-threatening. Other symptoms include: fever, chills, severe itching, dehydration, a rapid pulse rate, exhaustion, anemia, weight loss and muscle weakness.

(2) Palmo-plantar pustulosis (PPP): Pustules occur on the palms of the hands, and on the soles of the feet. The pustules are the size of a pencil eraser and appear in a studded pattern throughout reddened plaques of skin, then turn brown, peel and become crusted. PPP may be triggered by an adverse response to nicotene, which puts smokers at risk for this type of pustular psoriasis.

(3) Acropustulosis: This is a rare type of pustular psoriasis which occurs on the ends of fingers and toes, usually after an injury. Acropustulosis can be painful and lead to a deformity of the nails. In severe cases, changes to the bone may occur.

3. Inverse psoriasis: Is often diagnosed based on where it's found, which is in the folds of the skin to include: the armpits, under the breasts, and/or near the genitalia or buttocks. Inverse psoriasis is usually bright red and smooth in nature and may worsen with friction (skin rubbing against skin or clothes) and sweating.

4. Erythrodermic psoriasis: Is the least common form of psoriasis and is characterized by widespread reddening and scaling of the skin. According to the NPF, The erythema (reddening) and exfoliation (shedding) of the skin are often accompanied by severe itching and pain. "Patients having an erythrodermic psoriasis flare should make an appointment to see a doctor immediately. Erythrodermic psoriasis causes protein and fluid loss that can lead to severe illness."(1) It is thought to be caused by an adverse reaction to sunburns, systemic steroids, and allergic reactions to other medications.

5. Psoriatric arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that occurs in 10 to 30 percent of patients with psoriasis. It is not a type of psoriasis, but a symptom of psoriasis which is classified as a type of arthritis. For more information, see Psoriatic Arthritis.

Article by Jason Morrow,
OmniMedicalSearch.com

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Page Last Modified:
09/09/2010