What Is Psoriasis?

There are 5 main types of psoriasis:


1. Plaque psoriasis (appr 80% of all patients), which is the most common form of psoriasis, characterized by thin red patches of skin covered by flaky, silver-white scales.


2. Gluttate- Primarily in people younger than 30: may be triggered by a bacterial infection. A person may develop small pink-red water-drop shaped spots on the trunk, arms, lets and scalp. Fine scale covers the sores.


3. Erythodermic- The least common form of psoriasis: intense skin redness which covers a large area, even the entire body, that can itch or burn.


4. Inverse- skin redness and irritation occurs in the armpits, groin and in between overlapping skin ie, under the breast. The person may develop smooth patches of red, inflamed skin. It is more common in overweight people and is worsened by friction and sweating.


5. Pustular- An uncommon form of psoriasis: can occur in widespread patches or in smaller areas on the hands, feet or fingertips.

Psoriasis is a chronic disease of the immune system. Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes reddened skin and irritation associated with thick red skin with flaky, silver-white patches called scales. It may affect people of any age, but typically begins between the ages of 15 and 25. It is estimated that approximately 5 million people live with this skin disease in the U.S.

Plaque Psoriasis, the most common form, skin cells grow deep in the skin and normally rise to the surface about once a month; in people with plaque psoriasis the process goes too fast (about 2 weeks instead of 4 weeks) and dead skin cells build up on the skin’s surface.

Psoriasis may occur suddenly or slowly. It may go away and then flare up again frequently over time. People with plaque psoriasis have irritated patches of skin, with redness seen more commonly on the elbows, knees and trunk but it can occur anywhere on the body. It may manifest as flaky patches on the scalp. The skin patches may be itchy; dry and covered with silver, flaky skin (scales); red-pink in color and be raised and thick.


Areas typically effected by Psoriasis