What Psoriasis Looks Like

There are five types of psoriasis. Each has its own unique signs
(what is seen) and symptoms (what is felt by the person):

Plaque Psoriasis
About 80% of people living with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis, which also is called “psoriasis vulgaris.” “Vulgaris” means “common.”

How to recognize plaque psoriasis:

·  Raised and thickened patches of reddish skin, called “plaques,” which are covered by silvery-white scales.

·  Plaques most often appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, chest, and lower back. However, they can appear anywhere on the body, including the genitals.

·  Plaques vary in size and can appear as distinct patches or join together to cover a large area.

·  In the early stages, the psoriasis may be unnoticeable. The skin may itch and/or a burning sensation may be present.

·  Plaque psoriasis usually first appears as small red bumps. Bumps gradually enlarge, and scales form. While the top scales flake off easily and often, scales below the surface stick together. The small red bumps develop into plaques (reddish areas of raised and thickened skin).

·  Skin discomfort. The skin is dry and may be painful. Skin can itch, burn, bleed, and crack. In severe cases, the discomfort can make it difficult to sleep and focus on everyday activities.

Plaque psoriasis can develop anywhere on the body. These photographs show areas where plaque psoriasis most commonly develops – the scalp, lower back, elbows, and knees. (Photos used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides)

Guttate Psoriasis

This 19-month-old boy developed guttate psoriasis following an illness and accompanying fever.

About 10% of people who get psoriasis develop guttate psoriasis, making this the second most common type. Guttate psoriasis most frequently develops in children and young adults who have a history of streptococcal (strep) infections. A mild case of guttate psoriasis may disappear without treatment, and the person may never have another outbreak of psoriasis. Some children experience flare-ups for a number of years. It also is possible for the psoriasis to appear later in life as plaque psoriasis. In some cases, guttate psoriasis is severe and disabling, and treatment may require oral medication or injections.

(Photo used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides)

How to recognize guttate psoriasis:

·  Drop-sized, red dots form — usually on the trunk, arms, and legs. Lesions occasionally form on the scalp, face, and ears.

·  Lesions widespread.

·  Appears quickly, usually a few days after a strep throat or other trigger, such as a cold, tonsillitis, chicken pox, skin injury, or taking certain medications.

·  Can first appear as another form of psoriasis, such as plaque psoriasis, and turn into guttate psoriasis.

Pustular Psoriasis
This type of psoriasis occurs in less than 5% of people who develop psoriasis and primarily occurs in adults. It may be the first sign of psoriasis or develop from plaque psoriasis. Pustular psoriasis can be triggered by infections, sunburn, or medications such as lithium and systemic cortisones. There are two forms of pustular psoriasis: localized and generalized.

How to recognize localized pustular psoriasis:

·  Psoriasis confined to certain areas (localized), usually the palms and soles. This is known as “palmoplantar psoriasis.”

·  Skin red, swollen, and dotted with pus-filled lesions.

·  Pus-filled lesions dry, leaving behind brown dots and/or scale.

·  Affected areas tender and sore. Using hands or walking often painful.

	These patients have localized pustular psoriasis on their feet. Notice the numerous pustules.
(Photo used with permission of Mark Lebwohl, MD. Photo originally published in his book, The Skin & Systemic Disease: A Color Atlas and Text by Mark Lebwohl, MD. Published by Churchill Livingston, 2004. )	(Photo used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides)

Generalized pustular psoriasis is a rare and severe form of psoriasis that can be life-threatening, especially for older adults. Hospitalization may be required. Generalized pustular psoriasis may be triggered by an infection such as strep throat, suddenly stopping steroids, pregnancy, and taking certain medications such as lithium or systemic cortisone.

This patient suffers from generalized pustular psoriasis. (Photo used with permission of Mark Lebwohl, MD. Photo originally published in his book, The Skin & Systemic Disease: A Color Atlas and Text by Mark Lebwohl, MD. Published by Churchill Livingston, 2004. )

Inverse psoriasis occurs only in skin folds, which also are called “flexures.” Due to the moist environment, these lesions tend not to form scale. (Photo used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides)