Psoriasis

There are five types of psoriasis:

Plaque psoriasis, which is the most common form, appears as raised, red patches or lesions covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells, called scale. Psoriasis can occur on any part of the body and is associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression.

Guttate [GUH-tate] psoriasis is a form of psoriasis that often starts in childhood or young adulthood. This form of psoriasis resembles small, red, individual spots on the skin. Guttate lesions usually appear on the trunk and limbs. These spots are not usually as thick as plaque lesions.

Inverse psoriasis is found in the armpits, groin, under the breasts, and in other skin folds around the genitals and the buttocks. This type of psoriasis first shows up as lesions that are very red and usually lack the scale associated with plaque psoriasis. It may appear smooth and shiny. Inverse psoriasis is particularly subject to irritation from rubbing and sweating because of its location in skin folds and tender areas. It is more common and troublesome in overweight people and people with deep skin folds.

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a particularly inflammatory form of psoriasis that often affects most of the body surface. It may occur in association with pustular psoriasis. It is characterized by periodic, widespread, fiery redness of the skin, swelling and redness accompanied by severe itching and pain.

Pustular psoriasis is characterized by white pustules surrounded by red skin. The pus consists of white blood cells. It is not an infection, nor is it contagious. It may be localized to certain areas of the body–for example, the hands and feet. Pustular psoriasis also can be generalized, covering most of the body. It tends to go in a cycle–reddening of the skin followed by formation of pustules and scaling.

Treating your psoriasis is critical to good disease management and overall health. What works for one person with psoriasis might not work for another. So it's important to know the different treatment options and keep trying until you find the right regimen for you. 

Topical treatments are usually the first line of defense in treating psoriasis. Researchers believe psoriasis occurs when faulty signals in the immune system cause skin cells to grow too rapidly. Topicals slow down or normalize that excessive cell reproduction and reduce inflammation (redness) associated with psoriasis.

Corticosteroids, ordinarily called "steroids," are the most frequently used treatment for psoriasis. Topical steroid medications are easy to use, work quickly and can be very effective in controlling mild to moderate psoriasis lesions.

Systemics are prescription medications that affect the entire body, and are usually reserved for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Biologics are a type of systemic medication.

Biologics are made from human or animal proteins. Only recently have biologics that are specifically targeted toward psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis begun to emerge as potentially promising new treatment options.

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