Psoriasis is a condition wherein scaly, red and raised patches develop on the skin. Psoriasis is an autoimmune problem whose symptoms typically manifest on the scalp, knees or elbows although it can virtually occur anywhere in the body. People who have psoriasis say it causes a stinging, burning and itchy sensation.
People who have a rash that can’t be treated with over-the-counter drugs should consult with their doctor for help.
Types of Psoriasis
There are different forms of psoriasis each with their own unique characteristics. Ordinarily, a person suffers from one form of psoriasis at a time and usually one form of psoriasis will resolve before another form of psoriasis will manifest when the skin comes into contact with a trigger.
Psoriasis vulgaris or plaque psoriasis – This is form of psoriasis is the most common type of this disease. Psoriasis vulgaris affects an estimated 80% of individuals with psoriasis. This kind of disease is marked by red, inflamed and raised lesions surrounded by a silvery white scale. Psoriasis vulgaris usually occurs in the lower back, scalp, knees and elbows.
Guttate psoriasis – This kind of psoriasis usually starts to develop during childhood up to young adulthood. Guttate psoriasis is characterized as individual red and small skin spots. Guttate lesions (spots) typically form in the torso and limbs. They are typically not as thick as plaque spots. This type of psoriasis can develop all of a sudden and it can come about due to medications like beta-blockers and antimalarials and factors like skin damage, stress, upper respiratory infections, strep throat infections and tonsillitis. Guttate in Latin means “drop.”
Inverse psoriasis – This form of psoriasis develops usually in skin folds in the buttocks and genitals, under the breasts, in the groin and the armpit. This psoriasis is distinguished by shiny and smooth bright-red lesions. This form of psoriasis can be easily irritated by sweating and friction due to where it often occurs (tender body regions and folds of the skin). Inverse psoriasis has worse symptoms in people with deep skin folds or in those who are overweight.
Pustular psoriasis – This kind of psoriasis usually occurs in adults and is typified by white blisters containing noninfectious pus that in turn is made up of leukocytes encircled by red skin. Pustular psoriasis often starts out with skin reddening thereafter followed by scaling and the development of pustules. Triggers for this type of psoriasis include the abrupt stoppage of strong topical steroids or systemic medicines or by infections, severe stress, systemic steroids infections, systemic steroids, UV light overexposure, pregnancy, certain topical drugs or by internal medications.
Erythrodermic psoriasis – This is a form of psoriasis that can affect most of the surface of the skin and is an inflammatory skin condition. Erythrodermic psoriasis can develop in connection with von Zumbusch pustular psoriasis. Erythrodermic psoriasis manifests in periodic skin shedding in sheets and bright skin redness that affects many body parts. The shedding and reddening of the skin are usually accompanied by changing body temperature, increased heart rate, extreme itch and pain.
Sufferers of erythrodermic psoriasis symptoms need to go to a doctor as soon as possible since this kind of psoriasis lead to fluid and protein loss that in turn can result in severe illness. Erythrodermic psoriasis can also cause congestive heart failure, pneumonia and infection and individuals exhibiting severe kinds of these symptoms will need hospitalization.
Causes of erythrodermic psoriasis are infection; severe sunburns; allergic response to a medicine leading to a Koebner response and the sudden cessation of systemic psoriasis treatment such as cortisone.
Christina Prieto, AP
1617 Hillcrest St
Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: 407-234-6454
harmonywellnesscenter.com