WHAT
IS PSORIASIS
Psoriasis
is a persistent and chronic skin disease which has a tendency
to be genetically inherited. The word comes from ancient Greece,
and means "to itch". Red eruptions appear on the
surface of the skin and begin to itch. These areas form plaques
over the reddened lesions. The plaques resemble multi-layered
scales of skin. Psoriasis varies in intensity from a few random
spots to a massive outbreak covering the entire body and requiring
hospitalization.
In some cases, psoriasis is so mild that people don't know
they have it. At the opposite extreme, severe psoriasis may
cover large areas of the body. Psoriasis cannot be passed
from one person to another, though it is more likely to occur
in people whose family members have it.
Types of Psoriasis Pictures
Nail Psoriasis
(Nail)Scalp Psoriasis
(Scalp)Plaque Psoriasis (vulgaris psoriasis, the most common
type)
(Plaque)Pustular Psoriasis
(Pustular)Guttate Psoriasis
(Guttate)Inverse Psoriasis
(Inverse)Erythrodermic
(Erythrodermic)Psoriatic Arthritis
(Psoriatic Arthritis)Plaque Psoriasis: The most common type
of psoriasis is called plaque psoriasis. It is characterized
by raised, inflamed (red) lesions covered with a silvery white
scale. The scale is actually a buildup of dead skin cells.
The technical name for plaque psoriasis is psoriasis vulgaris
(vulgaris means common). Plaque psoriasis may appear on any
skin surface, though the knees, elbows, scalp, and trunk are
the most common locations.
Guttate Psoriasis: Guttate psoriasis is characterized by small
red dots (or drops) of psoriasis. It often appears on the
trunk, arms and legs. The lesions may have some scale. Guttate
psoriasis frequently appears suddenly following a streptococcal
infection or viral upper respiratory infections. There are
also other events that can precipitate an attack of guttate
psoriasis: tonsillitis, a cold, chicken pox, immunizations,
physical trauma, psychological stress, illness, and the administration
of antimalarial drugs.
Inverse Psoriasis: Inverse psoriasis is localized in the flexural
surfaces of the skin, e.g., armpit, groin, under the breast,
and other skin folds. Typically, it appears as smooth inflamed
lesions without scaling and is particularly subject to irritation
due to rubbing and sweating.
Erythrodermic: Ordinarily erythrodermic psoriasis appears
on the skin as a widespread reddening and exfoliation of fine
scales, often accompanied by severe itching and pain. Swelling
may also develop.
Pustular Psoriasis: Pustular psoriasis is characterized by
pustules (blister-like lesions of noninfectious pus) on the
skin. The pus consists of white blood cells in the skin. It
is not an infection, and it is not contagious. It may be localized
to certain areas of the body, e.g., hands and feet, or it
can be widespread. It tends to go in cycles of: 1) erythema
(reddening of the skin), 2) formation of pustules, and 3)
scaling of the skin.
Psoriatic Arthritis: About 10 percent of the people who have
psoriasis on their skin also develop a form of arthritis called
psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis causes inflammation
and swelling primarily in the hands, feet or in larger joints
such as the knees, hips, elbows, and the spine. It may cause
stiffness, pain, and joint damage.
Scalp Psoriasis: Scalp psoriasis affects at least half of
all people who have psoriasis. Generally, the scalp will have
plaque psoriasis characterized by elevated, inflamed, lesions
covered with silvery white scales
Nail Psoirasis: Psoriasis can affect both the toenails and
fingernails. Commonly it appears as pits in the nails of various
size, shape, and depth. Sometimes the nails develop a yellowish
color and become thick. The nails may crumble easily and be
surrounded by inflammation. Another possible symptom is detachment
of the nail from the nail bed.
