What Is Psoriasis

What Characterizes The Different Forms Of Psoriasis?

Physicians characterize the different forms of Psoriasis by the type of lesions that appear and the area of the body that is affected. Patients generally don't have more than one of the forms of psoriasis at a time, but it is possible for two or three types to appear concurrently. Sometimes one form changes into or is followed by a different form.

The most common form of psoriasis is called plaque psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis is usually found on the skin around the bends of the body. It may also develop on the top of the head or around the waistline of the back. This is the form of psoriasis that presents as thick red patches. The red welts are usually covered with dead skin cells which flake off easily. These scaly cells are a silver colored white.

A second form of psoriasis, Guttate psoriasis, presents as tiny red spots, dotted individually over the body. These spots are also raised from the skin of the body. This form of psoriasis is usually found on the arms and legs, as well as the trunk of the body. Guttate psoriasis comes on quickly and without warning.

The form of psoriasis called inverse psoriasis usually affects the more sensitive areas of the body. Although a patient with inverse psoriasis does not develop the scales found in plaque psoriasis, he does have to deal with the itching. Inverse psoriasis may be shiny, smooth patches that appear in the skin folds under the breasts or in the genital or buttocks areas. It may also appear under the armpits.

A final form of psoriasis is labeled as pustular psoriasis. In this form, blisters consisting of white blood cells form on the body. These may only appear in limited areas, or they may envelop almost all of the skin of the body. Reddened skin is the first sign of this form of psoriasis and appears before the blisters erupt. Even when oozing, the blisters are not contagious.

Knowing the form of psoriasis is important because each form has a preferred method of psoriasis treatments. Over-the-counter methods may give relief for some forms of psoriasis while medical intervention is necessary for more severe forms.

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