Major Types OF Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis, which causes discolored, scaly skin with tiny pustules on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Guttate psoriasis, which often starts in childhood or young adulthood, causes small spots that are pink, red, brown, or purple in color, mainly on the torso and limbs. Triggers may be respiratory infections, strep throat, tonsillitis, stress, injury to the skin, or taking antimalarial or beta-blocker medications.

Inverse psoriasis, which causes discolored, shiny lesions that appear in skin folds, such as the armpits, groin, and under the breasts. On light skin, the lesions will be bright red. On darker skin, they'll be darker than the surrounding skin and can be purplish or brown in color.

Erythrodermic psoriasis, which causes intense discoloration of the skin and shedding of scales in sheets. It's triggered by bad sunburn, infections, certain medications, and stopping some kinds of psoriasis treatment. It needs to be treated immediately because it can lead to severe illness.

acial psoriasis affects about 50 percent of people living with psoriasis. It can affect any area on the face including the eyebrows, the skin between the nose and upper lip, as well as the upper forehead.

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Hands, Feet, and Nails

Hands, feet, and nails can also be affected by psoriasis. Palmoplantar psoriasis (PPP) refers to psoriasis that affects the palms of the hands and/or the soles of the feet. Between 12 and 16 percent of people living with psoriasis have palmoplantar psoriasis. Nail changes can also occur in 50 percent of people living with psoriasis.

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Skin Folds

Skin folds such as under the arms and breasts can also be affected by psoriasis. These areas are often irritated by rubbing and sweating.

Types of Psoriasis

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Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis affects roughly 8 percent of people living with psoriasis. Signs of guttate psoriasis include small, round, red or discolored spots caused by inflammation. Guttate psoriasis often appears on the arms, legs, and torso; however, it can affect any area of the body.

Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis affects about 3 percent of people living with psoriasis. Symptoms include pustules (white, pus-filled, painful bumps) that may be surrounded by inflamed or reddened/discolored skin. Pustular psoriasis may appear only on certain areas of the body, such as the hands and feet, or it may cover most of the body.

Image of Plaque and Guttate psoriasis on a person's stomach

Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type, affecting up to 80 percent of those with psoriasis. Plaques can appear anywhere on the body as raised patches of inflamed, itchy, and painful skin with scales. For some people, the skin may be red with silvery-white scales. For others, plaques may look more purple. This may depend on the skin type of the individual. These plaques most often appear on the scalp, knees, elbows, and in or around the belly button and lower back. However, it can affect any area of the body.

Inverse Psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis affects one-quarter of people living with psoriasis. Signs of inverse psoriasis include inflamed deep-red or darkened skin that is smooth and not scaly. Inverse psoriasis affects skin folds in the body such as underarms, under breasts, the genital area, and buttocks. It can cause severe itching and pain and can be worsened by sweat and rubbing in these areas.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is rare, affecting about two percent of people living with psoriasis. This type of psoriasis can cause intense redness or discoloration and shedding of skin layers in large sheets. It often affects nearly the whole body and can be life-threatening. Other symptoms include severe itching and pain, changes in heart rate and temperature, dehydration, and nail changes. It is important to see a health care provider immediately during an erythrodermic flare.