A brief run down of the seven main types of psoriasis.
1. Plaque Psoriasis
This is by far the most common kind of psoriasis; in fact 8 in 10 instances of psoriasis are plaque psoriasis. It’s characterised by distinct, thickened, raised areas, with silvery scales. On skin of colour, the raised areas can be purplish, brown or ashen, and is often more severe than on Caucasian skin (where it appears red or pink).
2. Guttate Psoriasis
Found mostly in children and young adults, guttate psoriasis looks like small, bumpy spots on the body. It can develop after an infection and will usually disappear of its own accord in a few weeks.
3. Nail Psoriasis
Nail psoriasis is psoriasis that only appears on the nails of the hands and feet, and can look like tiny pinpricks, or as discolouration across the nail.
4. Inverse Psoriasis
This type of psoriasis is found in folds and creases, places such as armpits, the groin, under the breasts; it appears as shiny darkened or discoloured areas of skin rather than scales and gets worse with sweating and friction. (picture credit )
5. Pustular Psoriasis
An uncommon but potentially serious variety, pustular psoriasis appears as (non-infectious) pus-filled bumps and spots. It can occur on just one area, ie the hands and feet, but if spreads across the whole body it can be dangerous. (Picture credit)
6. Erythrodermic Psoriasis
A rare but severe form of psoriasis, in which the wide areas of the body are covered by a hot, burn-like rash. It can leave sufferers open to infection and serious fluid, loss so needs to be treated by medical professionals. (Picture credit)
7. Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis can develop when someone has been suffering from psoriasis for a while, and affects the joints, leading toes and fingers to become inflamed, stiff and painful.