Psoriasis

Some Common Types and Symptoms

Plaque psoriasis

Its symptoms are dry, red skin lesions, known as plaques that are covered in silver scales. They normally appear on your elbows, knees, scalp and lower back but can appear anywhere on your body. The plaques can be itchy, sore or both. In severe cases, the skin around your joints may crack and bleed.

Guttate psoriasis

This normally occurs following a streptococcal throat infection and is more common among children and teenagers. It causes small (less than 1cm or 1/3 inch) drop-shaped sores on your chest, arms, legs and scalp.

Scalp psoriasis

This can occur on parts of your scalp or on the whole scalp. It causes red patches of skin covered in thick silvery-white scales. Some people find scalp psoriasis extremely itchy, while others have no discomfort. In extreme cases it can cause hair loss, although this is usually only temporary.

Nail psoriasis

This affects your nails, causing them to develop tiny dents or pits, become discoloured and grow abnormally. Often nails can become loose and separate from your nail bed. In severe cases, your nails may crumble.

Inverse (flexural) psoriasis

This affects areas of the skin that are in folds or creases, such as the armpits, groin and the skin between the buttocks and under the breasts. It can cause large, smooth red patches in some or all of these areas. Inverse psoriasis is made worse by friction and sweating, so it can be particularly uncomfortable in hot weather.