Psoriasis is very common and is a condition that affects many people. It may begin at any age, although most commonly the onset of psoriasis is typically between the ages of 15-35, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. The skin becomes itchy, red and scaly and may be uncomfortable or painful. If psoriasis is present in family members, there may be a predisposition to getting psoriasis. Certain environmental or health factors may increase psoriasis in a person, such as taking certain medications or infection.
Types and symptoms of psoriasis:
- Plaque: Symptoms include thick, scaly, red, raised-up areas on the skin that may be itchy and painful and can flake and bleed. Plaque psoriasis commonly appears on the scalp, elbows, knees, trunk and buttocks but can involve any part of the body.
- Erythrodermic: This type of psoriasis is an aggressive and inflammatory form of psoriasis. Symptoms include a peeling rash that may itch or burn intensely across the entire surface of the body. The rash can spread quickly. Most often erythrodermic psoriasis affects people who already have a type of unstable plaque psoriasis and is occasionally connected with another rare type of psoriasis known as von Zumbusch pustular psoriasis.
- Pustular: Pustular psoriasis is a non-contagious condition, as it is not an infection. White pustules, blisters filled with noninfectious pus are surrounded by red skin. The pus is made up of white blood cells. This type of psoriasis is typically on the hands and feet and is mostly a condition see on adults.
- Guttate: This form of psoriasis presents as separate, small red spots on the skin. There may be many lesions — hundreds — and they may be anywhere on the body, although they are typically found on the trunk. The lesions are thinner than those that characterize plaque psoriasis. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, guttate psoriasis is often triggered by a streptococcal virus or other illness, such as tonsillitis or an upper respiratory infection, as well as by medications, stress or injury to the skin. Strep throat is one of the most common triggers, and guttate psoriasis may be the only symptom of a strep infection.
There are various treatment options for psoriasis and much depends on the individual case, such as the severity, the type of psoriasis and the medical history of the patient. Our office may recommend topical medication, phototherapy, oral medications or biologic medications, depending on the case. We have had a lot of success treating the different types of psoriasis. This condition can be very unpleasant, so contact our office for relief if you are suffering with psoriasis.