Psoriasis, a potentially debilitating skin condition, has several types and levels of severity. Generally, sufferers have only one type at a time, though the type can change.
Plaque psoriasis accounts for 80 percent of psoriasis cases. It typically affects the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, and looks like raised, red lesions that are covered by silvery scales. It has many triggers including stress, skin injury, infection, and medications.
Guttate psoriasis generally affects children and young adults. It's characterized by small red spots that appear on the trunk of the body and arms. It often appears suddenly and is thought to be triggered by an illness like strep throat or an injury.
Inverse psoriasis occurs in folded skin like the kind found in the groin, armpits, buttocks, or under the breast. These lesions are smooth, shiny, and bright red, and generally get irritated with rubbing and sweating. People with many skin folds are more likely to be irritated by this kind of psoriasis.
Von Zumbusch Pustular psoriasis may have a sudden onset and requires medical care. It starts when skin all over the body turns red, tender, and painful, and then pustules form. In the next couple of days these pustules dry and peel, leaving glazed skin behind. The pustules may then reappear. This process can repeat itself over a period of days or weeks. The onset of Von Zumbusch often comes along with fever, dehydration, exhaustion, weight loss, weakness, and anemia, leading to hospitalization for treatment. It's caused by sudden steroid withdrawal, pregnancy, and some drugs like lithium, iodides, and certain blood pressure medications.
Palmoplantar pustulosis is characterized by pustules on the palms and soles of the feet. The pustules form on reddened skin and then turn brown, peels, and crusts over. This cycle will repeat itself a few times, and then lag for a while. Smoking can trigger outbreaks of palmoplantar pustulosis since it's associated with an abnormal response to nicotine.
Acropustulosis, or acrodermatitis continua of hallopeau is a rare form of psoriasis that involves lesions at the end of fingers or toes. It can deform the nails and even change the bones in severe cases.
Erythrodermic psoriasis is a severe form of psoriasis that requires immediate medical care. It involves widespread redness of the skin and the shedding of scales in sheets, accompanied by severe pain, itching, and an increased heart rate. People with erythordermic psoriasis may have trouble with body temperature, rapid loss of fluid and protein, and may develop infection, pneumonia, or congestive heart failure. Treatment often requires hospitalization. Triggers include a sudden withdrawal of other psoriasis treatment medication like cortisone, allergic reactions to medications like lithium or anti-malarial drugs, or even severe sunburns or infection.
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