Psoriasis Symptoms

There are several types of psoriasis. Each type of psoriasis has unique “signs.” Doctors look for signs during a physical exam so they can distinguish one type of psoriasis from another. Examples of signs include descriptions of the location and shape and pattern of the lesions. Symptoms are words that patients use to describe how their disease feels. Psoriasis is typically asymptomatic, but the affected skin may elicit discomfort due to shedding or fissuring. Most types of psoriasis are classically not itchy.

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The following is a brief outline of each type of psoriasis and a description of the accompanying signs and symptoms.

Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form. It is named for the “plaques,” or lesions, that are characteristic of this type of psoriasis. Plaques tend to be stable and slow growing, and they may remain unchanged for long periods of time.

Signs and symptoms include:

• Red, raised skin patches (plaques) topped by silvery-white scales
• Frequent shedding of silvery scales
• Outbreaks most frequent on the elbows, knees, scalp, buttocks, and lower back
• Patches often occur in the same area on both sides of the body
• Patches may join together to form large affected areas on the back and chest
• Occasional discomfort and cracking in the affected areas, especially palms, fingers and soles

Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis is most often triggered by bacterial infections, such as streptococcus ( strep throat ), and is most common in childhood or young adulthood.

Signs and symptoms include:

• Small, drop-like lesions on the trunk, limbs, and scalp

Inverse Psoriasis

Most commonly found in skin fold areas of the body, such as the armpits, groin, under the breasts, and genital areas. This type of psoriasis is also known as flexural psoriasis.

Signs and symptoms include:

• Smooth, pink or red, mostly dry patches without a scaly surface
• Sensitivity to friction and sweating

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

This is the least common form of the disease. It can be triggered by severe sunburn, use of certain drugs, or abrupt withdrawal of oral steroids.

Signs and symptoms include:

• Widespread, fiery redness of the skin
• Severe itching and discomfort in the affected areas
• Possible swelling of the affected areas

Pustular Psoriasis

This form of psoriasis may be triggered by medication, emotional stress, infections, abrupt withdrawal of systemic steroids, or exposure to certain chemicals. It is a more rare form of psoriasis.

Signs and symptoms include:

• Blisters containing noninfectious pus in large (generalized) or small (localized) areas of the body

• Localized:Blisters confined to local areas, usually the palms, fingers, and soles. Pustules appear in a studded, pattern, turn brown, and then peel.
• Generalized:Blisters spread over large portions of the body, dry, and then recur again in repeated cycles lasting several days.

References:

American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.skincarephysicians.com/psoriasisnet/index.html .

National Psoriasis Foundation website. Available at: http://www.psoriasis.org/home/ .