Psoriasis
Here is a breakdown of the types of Psoriasis and their symptoms.
Plague Psoriasis
Symptoms often include raised and reddened skin; symptoms also might include
inflamed red lesions on the skin.
Usually effects elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. These areas are easy to
identify on the body. Most common form of psoriasis.
Guttate Psoriasis
Often appears as small red dots on the skin. Although dots are not as large,
affected area can be as great. Can be brought on by illnesses, such as upper
repertory infection.
Can also be brought on by outside factors, such as stress, injury and certain
medication. Streptococcal infection (Strep throat) is a common trigger of the
guttate form of psoriasis.
For treatment, moisturizers are often the most effective. They prevent the area
from drying out and soothe the area, especially if irritated.
Inverse Psoriasis
Symptoms often appear in the armpits, around the groin, under breasts, around
the buttocks and within the skin folds near genitals. Irritation to the skin my
appear as smooth in affected areas. Treating affected areas is often difficult
due to the location. Often, these areas continue to be become irritated.
Although topical agents, such as creams and powder can be most effective, these
treatments can also cause more irritation.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
If symptoms of this type of psoriasis appear, it is extremely important to seek
medical attention and see your doctor immediately. Often times, this type of
psoriasis will require hospitalization. Unlike some of the other types, this
strain will most likely affect all areas of the body’s surface. Symptoms include
fiery redness of skin, accompanied by severe itching and pain in the affected
area. Along with the symptoms that appear on the surface, erythrodermic
psoriasis also includes the loss of protein and fluid. Often times this will
cause even more severe illness in the affected patient. As if the reddening of
the skin, along with the other physical symptoms were not enough, this strain
will usually affect the temperature of the body, causing a disruption in body
temperature. This will manifest in swinging symptoms from shivering to hot
flashes.
Pustular Psoriasis
Symptoms include white pustules surrounded by areas of reddened skin. In this
case, the puss contained in the blisters is not contagious as it is simply white
blood cells and does not contain any traces of the disease. Usually these
affected areas are often located in the extremities, such as the hands and feet.
Usually the formation of pus blisters is part of a cycle, the skin reddens and
then the blisters form on top of the irritated area. There are many factors that
may contribute to the contraction of pustular psoriasis. Some examples are
pregnancy, topical skin agents that irritate the skin and some medications that
are internally digested. Many of the side effects of treatments for this strain
are so severe that administration may be rotated to cut down on the side effects
for the individual.
There are three types of Pustular Psoriasis
- Von Zumbusch
This usually happens quite abruptly to the patient, with reddened areas
appearing and forming blisters in a day or two. The bursting of these blisters
will be followed by a period where the skin is glazed over. This cycle can last
for weeks. Can be life threatening, if not given the proper treatment
immediately.
- Palmo-plantar pustulosis
Usually characterized by small blisters on the fleshy areas of the extremities,
most commonly the hands and feet.
Very resistant to attempts of traditional topical treatments.
- Acropustulosis
Very rare, affecting the ends of toes and fingers. Causes extreme pain and will
often incapacitate victim.