Types

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes skin cells to form too quickly. Because these grow faster than the body can shed existing skin cells, thick, scaly patches form.

On lighter skin tones, psoriasis usually appears as pink or red patches with silvery-white scales. On darker skin, psoriasis is more likely to appear as purple patches with gray scales or as a dark brown color.

There are several types of psoriasis. Most types of psoriasis tend to be mild to moderate. However, some types of psoriasis can be severe.

Types of the condition include:

• plaque psoriasis
• psoriasis of the scalp
• guttate psoriasis
• inverse psoriasis
• pustular psoriasis
• erythrodermic psoriasis

People with psoriasis may initially only develop one type of psoriasis, but can develop another type at a later point in time.

Plaque psoriasis

The most common type of psoriasis in both adults and children is plaque psoriasis, in which well-defined patches or plaques develop on the skin. In many cases, these patches first appear on the scalp in children.

Guttate psoriasis

Another type of psoriasis that often develops in children is guttate psoriasis, which leads to small, raindrop-like patches called papules forming in large groups. This form of psoriasis can develop suddenly and is often the result of a secondary infection in the throat, such as strep throat.

Other upper respiratory infections are also common triggers for psoriasis. Guttate psoriasis can clear without treatment. However, it may become persistent in some people and evolve into chronic plaque psoriasis.

Inverse psoriasis

Inverse or flexural psoriasis refers to smooth patches of sore skin that form around folds in the skin, such as those in the armpits, groin, eyelids, or genital area.

Pustular psoriasis

This is a rare and severe form of psoriasis more often seen in older adults than in children. However, it can develop at any age. Symptoms of pustular psoriasis include the development of white or yellow painful, pus-filled bumps and inflamed or discolored skin.

Erythrodermic psoriasis

Another rare type of psoriasis is called erythrodermic psoriasis. This form of psoriasis can be life threatening and often affects the entire body. It can disrupt the body’s temperature and fluid balance, which may cause shivering and edema — or swelling in the feet and ankles.

Symptoms include severe discoloration and shedding of skin over a large area of the body. A person may also experience severe itching, pain, and increased heart rate.