Types of Psoriasis
Various forms of psoriasis exist. Some can occur alone or at the same time as other types, or one may follow another. The most common type is called plaque psoriasis, also known as psoriasis vulgaris.
Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis leads to skin patches that start off in small areas, about one-eighth of an inch wide. They usually appear in the same areas on opposite sides of the body.
The patches slowly grow larger and develop thick, dry plaque. If the plaque is scratched or scraped, bleeding spots the sizes of pinheads appear underneath. This is known as the Auspitz sign.
Some patches may become ring shaped (annular), with a clear center and scaly raised borders that may appear wavy and snake-like.
As the disease progresses, eventually separate patches may join together to form larger areas. In some cases, the patches can become very large and cover wide areas of the back or chest. This is known as geographic plaques because the skin lesions resemble maps.
Plaque psoriasis may persist for long periods of time. More often it flares up periodically, triggered by certain factors such as cold weather, infection, or stress.
Patches most often occur on the:
They may also be seen on the:
- Upper pelvic bone area
- Bottom of the feet
- Calves and thighs
- Genital areas
- Palms of the hands
Psoriasis of the scalp affects about 50% of patients. In some cases, the psoriasis may cover the scalp with thick plaques that extend down from the hairline to the forehead.
Psoriasis patches rarely affect the face in adulthood. In children, psoriasis is most likely to start in the scalp and spread to other parts of the body. Unlike in adults, it also may occur on the face and ears.
Less Common Forms of Psoriasis |
Psoriasis Form | Description of Skin Patches | Comments | |
Guttate Psoriasis | The patches are teardrop-shaped and appear suddenly, usually over the trunk and often on the arms, legs, or scalp. They often disappear without treatment. | Guttate psoriasis can occur as the initial outbreak of psoriasis, often in children and young adults 1 - 3 weeks after a viral or bacterial (usually streptococcal) respiratory or throat infection. A family history of psoriasis and stressful life events are also highly linked with the start of guttate psoriasis. Guttate psoriasis can also develop in patients who have already had other forms of psoriasis, most often in people treated with widely-applied topical (rub-on) products containing corticosteroids. | |
Inverse Psoriasis | Patches usually appear as smooth inflamed areas without a scaly surface. They occur in the folds of the skin, such as under the armpits or breast, or in the groin. | Inverse psoriasis may be especially difficult to treat. | |
Seborrheic Psoriasis | Patches appear as red scaly areas on the scalp, behind the ears, above the shoulder blades, in the armpits or groin, or in the center of the face. | Seborrheic psoriasis may be especially difficult to treat. | |
Nail Psoriasis
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