Most Common Types of Psoriasis: Which Type Do You Have?

Psoriasis impacts at least 100 million worldwide, with some estimates suggesting that as much as 2% to 3% of the population has psoriasis. Psoriasis treatment plans require you or your doctor to determine what type of psoriasis that you have.

For most people, they’ll suffer from just one of the five types of psoriasis, but there are some people with two or more forms of the condition.

What are the Different Types of Psoriasis?

1. Plaque Psoriasis
If you have psoriasis, chances are, you have plaque psoriasis. This type is the most common and it involves:

• Burning skin
• Itchy skin
• White or silvery skin scales

While you can get this condition on any area of the body, it’s most common on the back, scalp, elbows and knees.

2. Inverse Psoriasis
If you have red or shiny skin patches on the folds of your skin, you may be suffering from inverse psoriasis. The condition is most common in the following areas:

• Breast
• Groin
• Buttocks
• Armpits

Fissures, or cracking of the skin, can occur and lead to bleeding.

3. Pustular Psoriasis
Classified as a disease, pustular psoriasis causes pus-filled bumps and red skin blotching to develop. The skin is often flaky and itchy, and the bumps can be painful. While the condition does cause pus to form, it is not an infection.
The most common areas of the body impacted are:

• Fingers
• Toes
• Palms
• Soles

Lesions may form on the tips of your fingers or toes, and in rare cases, bone damage is possible.

4. Erythrodermic Psoriasis
One of the worst forms of psoriasis is called “erythrodermic.” Symptoms can develop rapidly. It causes red skin all over the body and potentially large pieces of skin to peel off. The condition is dangerous, and pus-filled blisters may form.
The condition can also cause:

• Increased heart rate
• Fever
• Chills
• Pain in the joints

Classified as an autoimmune disease, you’ll want to seek out the advice of a specialist and may require a biopsy to diagnose the condition.

5. Guttate Psoriasis
Less than 2% of all cases are diagnosed as guttate psoriasis. This condition is most common on the scalp, back and abdomen, arms and thighs. Treatment is often unnecessary, but it will vary from case-to-case.
Common symptoms include small pink or red spots on the skin.

Some individuals could experience:

6. Nail Psoriasis that causes Pitting of your nails or having the nail turn yellow if brown; or

7. Psoriatic Arthritis that causes your joints to feel pain or stiff 

Psoriasis Treatment Options

Treating psoriasis requires a doctor’s diagnosis and a proper treatment plan. Reducing the scaling, plaque and inflammation is often the first priority. Three main treatment categories include:

Topical Treatments
Mild to moderate forms of psoriasis can often be controlled topically. Your doctor may recommend moisturizers, shampoos, soaps or other forms of treatment to get the condition under control.

Systemic Treatments
A systemic treatment may be recommended for more severe cases and involves medications. The medications may vary, but they often include biologics, cyclosporine, methotrexate or retinoids. Topical treatments may be used in conjunction with medications.

Lifestyle Therapy
Always make sure to keep you stress in check, drink plenty of water and get enough exercise.