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Types
of Psoriasis
All
information below is referenced from: psoriasissupport.com
There
are several forms of psoriasis, each with its own
characteristic symptoms, although the same underlying
disease causes them all. You may have different types
of psoriasis at the same time, or have different types
of psoriasis at different points in your life.
Generally
speaking, the size and appearance of plaques -- raised,
reddened patches of skin, usually covered with silvery
skin or scales -- help to identify the type of psoriasis.
The
types are:
Chronic
plaque psoriasis -- The most common form of the
disease, chronic plaque psoriasis accounts for almost
90 percent of psoriasis in adults. Plaques range from
coin-sized to much larger.
Guttate psoriasis -- Identified by small less
than one-half inch,‘droplet’-like skin changes
concentrated on the trunk, this type of psoriasis
is usually seen in children and young adults. It is
often triggered by a strepotoccocal throat infection.
Erythrodermic
psoriasis
-- Occurs when individual plaques are replaced by
generalized reddening and scaling of the entire body.
This is a severe and dangerous form of psoriasis that
may disrupt the body’s temperature regulation
and cause kidney and heart problems.
Palmoplantar
psoriasis -- Red, scaling plaques with small pustules
that develop on the palms and the soles of the feet.
The pustules are 1–10mm (pin- to dime-sized)
in diameter and are often painful, interfering with
daily functioning. It predominately affects women.
Pustular
psoriasis -- Identified by pustules or fluid filled
‘bubbles’ that develop on plaques, this
form of psoriasis falls into two categories:
Generalized
pustular psoriasis -- Marked by a general reddening
and inflammation of the skin with sheets of small
pustules merging into larger sheets. This is a serious
and potentially life-threatening illness that can
severely disrupt the skin’s function.
Nail
and Joint Psoriasis
Psoriasis is not just a skin disease; it also can
affect the nails and joints.
Nail
Psoriasis
Nail
changes, which affect between 10 to 55 percent of
people who have psoriasis, are more common in the
fingernails than toes. Nail psoriasis can cause:
Nail
discoloration, often a yellowish-brown color
Pitting or small holes in the nail
Severely misshapen nails, called onychodystrophy
Separation of the nail from the nail bed, called onycholysis
Nail
psoriasis can sometimes be painful; one study reports
that about one-half of patients with nail psoriasis
restricted a daily activity due to pain.
About
one-third of people with nail psoriasis may have a
fungal infection, which, if treated, could help their
nails to improve. Some treatments used for skin psoriasis
also may improve the condition of the nails. Consult
with your physician to learn which treatment may be
best for you.
If
your nails are affected by psoriasis, try the following:
Trim
your nails to reduce the risk of injuring them; trauma
can worsen nail psoriasis.
Try soaking affected nails and follow up with moisturizer.
Carefully file thickened toenails with an emery board
after soaking.
Reduce toenail pressure and friction – which
can cause toenails to thicken -- by wearing well-fitted,
roomy shoes.
Consider using nail hardeners or artificial nails
that can help to improve the appearance of intact
nails.
Talk to your physician if deformed nails are a problem
for you. They may be surgically removed and replaced
with artificial nails.
Psoriatic
Arthritis
Approximately
10 to 30 percent of people with psoriasis have psoriatic
arthritis, which causes joint stiffness, pain and
swelling – and, frequently, nail changes. Psoriatic
arthritis generally affects the fingers and toes,
but it can involve the wrists, lower back, knees and
ankles. Psoriatic arthritis can be a serious disease,
with a large percentage of patients reporting that
their symptoms limit their work or home activities.
Psoriatic
arthritis usually appears between the ages of 30 and
50. Its symptoms usually include at least one of the
following:
- Pain
in one or more joints
- Movement
that is restricted by pain in the joint or surrounding
areas
- Morning
stiffness
- Eye
pain or redness
Because
there is no laboratory test for psoriatic arthritis,
people with psoriasis and joint pain may want to consult
a specialist in joint diseases, called a rheumatologist,
to evaluate their symptoms. Other joint diseases such
as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and Reiter’s syndrome
all may be confused with psoriatic arthritis.
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