What Are The Types Of Psoriasis
Common types of psoriasis include:
Plaque psoriasis. This is the most common type of psoriasis. It causes plaques and silvery scales, usually on the knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp. They can be itchy and painful and may crack and bleed.
Guttate psoriasis. This type often shows up after an illness, especially strep throat. It causes small red spots, usually on the trunk, arms, and legs. Spots also can appear on the face, scalp, and ears.
Inverse psoriasis. This causes smooth, raw-looking patches of red skin that feel sore. The patches are in places where skin touches skin, such as the armpits, buttocks, upper eyelids, groin and genitals, or under a girl’s breasts.
Research And Statistics: Who Has Psoriasis
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, about 7.5 million people in the United States have psoriasis. Most are white, but the skin disease also affects Black, Latino, and Asian Americans as well as Native Americans and Pacific Islanders.
The disease occurs about equally among men and women. According to the National Institutes of Health , it is more common in adults, and you are at a greater risk if someone in your family has it. A study published in September 2016 in the journal PLoS One concluded that interactions between particular genes as well as genetic and environmental factors play an important role in the diseases development.
People with psoriasis generally see their first symptoms between ages 15 and 30, although developing the disease between 50 and 60 years of age is also common.
The biggest factor for determining prognosis is the amount of disease someone has, says Michael P. Heffernan, MD, a dermatologist at the San Luis Dermatology and Laser Clinic in San Luis Obispo, California.
The Genitals And Anus
This is the absolute last place people want psoriasis plaques. In fact, patches in the groin area are most likely to impact quality of life, according to a study published in the journal Psoriasis. While avoiding tight, chafe-inducing clothes helps here, you should always consider booking a derm appointment if youre dealing with an episode in this oh-so-tender zone. When psoriasis occurs in sensitive areas like the anus and genitals, its important to use a gentle combination of mild prescription steroids and non-steroids such as elidel cream, which will calm flares, says Dr. Crutchfield.
What about bathroom breaks? Susan Bard, M.D., an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Hospital, says to skip wipes , and instead, use soft toilet paper.
Don’t Miss: Can Drinking Alcohol Cause Psoriasis
When To Call A Doctor
- Symptoms of psoriasis. Early treatment may help keep the condition from getting worse.
- Signs of an infection, including:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the area.
- Pus draining from the area.
- A fever.
If you are being treated for psoriasis, call your doctor if you:
- Have severe and widespread psoriasis and your skin is more irritated or inflamed than usual, especially if you have another illness.
- Are taking medicine for psoriasis and have serious side effects, such as vomiting, bloody diarrhea, chills, or a fever.
Skin Care Products To Try For Facial Psoriasis
Finding a skin care routine that helps with your facial psoriasis is key, although you may have to experiment a bit with different products to perfect it.
In addition to discussing prescription creams with your doctor, you may find it helps to use an over-the-counter emollient. These soothe the skin and can create a barrier of oil to protect your skin from drying out.
Humectants, like glycerin and aloe vera, can also help hydrate your skin.
You may also want to look for products with salicylic acid, which can help your skin shed psoriasis scales, or coal tar, which can reduce itching and inflammation.
Read Also: Early Signs Of Scalp Psoriasis
Finding Ways To Relieve The Itch
Do you remember being told not to pick your nose? At some point, we were taught and if we have children, we taught them the same. A few months ago I wrote an article about picking at your plaques. I had to admit I have done it.
Having psoriasis in my nose, I cant help but do the same but with one very important exception. I use a q-tip cotton swab that I wet on one end. It does help to loosen some of the plaques making my nose feel less crowded for lack of better terms.
Southern Cross Medical Library
The purpose of the Southern Cross Medical Library is to provide information of a general nature to help you better understand certain medical conditions. Always seek specific medical advice for treatment appropriate to you. This information is not intended to relate specifically to insurance or healthcare services provided by Southern Cross. For more articles go to the Medical Library index page.
Also Check: Is Arthropathic Psoriasis The Same As Psoriatic Arthritis
Treatment Options For Nail Psoriasis And Nail Fungus
Since the root causes of nail psoriasis and nail fungus are different, the ways theyre both treated are also different.
For nail fungus, youre trying to treat an infection, so youre using antifungals, topically or orally, says Dr. Braue. Psoriasis is inflammatory, so youre trying to quell the immune response and calm that inflammation. In those cases, youre using things like steroids.
If youre noticing signs of nail psoriasis or nail fungus, you should see your healthcare provider, who can accurately diagnose exactly what it is youre dealing with. Theyll then prescribe ointments or medication and in some cases, a combination of both. Treatments may last anywhere from a couple of months to a full year, as you need to give your body time to rid itself of the infection or to regrow healthy nails. As a healthy nail grows over time, its important to trim the unhealthy or infected part of the nail off. If youre experiencing pain, consider wearing more comfortable, loose-fitting shoes until youre fully healed.
Occasionally, you can get steroid injections though, these tend to hurt when given in such a sensitive spot like your feet to speed up the process, or you may be able to seek out cosmetic options such as laser or surgical removal.
Psoriasis Causes And Risk Factors
Doctors arenât sure what causes psoriasis, but they know that genes and your immune system play a major role. About 40% of people with psoriasis have a close family member with the disease. Many of the genes linked to psoriasis are those that help run your immune system. In addition to your genes, these things can make you more likely to get psoriasis:
- Smoking
- Stress
Recommended Reading: Psoriasis On Bottom Of Foot
Psoriasis: Symptoms And Treatment Options
Psoriasis is a chronic, noncontagious skin condition characterized by scaling and inflammation. The inflamed skin forms red, thickened areas with silvery scales. The condition is most commonly found on the scalp, elbows, forearms, knees, shins, ankles, and lower back. It also may affect the fingernails, toenails, and soft tissues of the mouth, genitals, and joints. The inflamed skin can cause pain and discomfort from cracking, but psoriasis is rarely itchy.
What Are The Symptoms
There are several types of psoriasis. Symptoms for each may vary. But major symptoms are itchy and tender skin and raised, bright red patches of skin , topped with loose, silvery scales. In some people, psoriasis causes joints to become swollen, tender, and painful. Symptoms may disappear, even without treatment, and then return.
Also Check: What Causes Psoriasis Skin Disease
Common Types Of Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis.
Its symptoms are dry skin lesions, known as plaques, covered in scales.
They normally appear on your elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, but can appear anywhere on your body.
The plaques can be itchy or sore, or both. In severe cases, the skin around your joints may crack and bleed.
Feeling Like No One Nose
Psoriasis in the nose is a difficult subject to approach. It is not a subject easily spoken of or even written about. However, one of the things I think is so important is that no one ever feels alone. We all live with psoriasis and it’s a difficult disease to live with.
I was self-conscious about my psoriasis before. But suffering from it in my nose? Well, it brought on a whole new realization of life with psoriasis. I keep wondering if anyone can tell its there. Am I alone in feeling this way? Right now I feel alone. If you experience this type of psoriasis lets start a discussion so no one feels alone any more.
You May Like: What Is The Best Shampoo For Psoriasis
Treatments For Specific Areas
Eyelids
To treat this area, your doctor may recommend:
- Special corticosteroids to treat scaling. But donât overuse them. If they get into your eyes, they can lead to glaucoma or cataracts.
- The eczema drugs crisaborole ointment, pimecrolimus , or tacrolimus . They don’t cause the side effects of steroids. They can sting the first few days you use them.
Be careful when you treat psoriasis around your eyes. The skin on eyelids is delicate and gets damaged easily. Tell your doctor about any problems you have.
Psoriasis in the eye is very rare. If you have it, your eyes can be painfully dry. You may need antibiotics to treat an eye infection if you get one.
Ears
Psoriasis medications can put your eardrum at risk, so be cautious when you apply any inside the ear. Your doctor may recommend:
- A prescription corticosteroid you can drip in your ear or apply to the outside of your ear canal
- Calcipotriene or tazarotene usually mixed with a corticosteroid cream or ointment
Mouth and Nose
Psoriasis On The Eyelid: Symptoms And Treatment
Psoriasis on the eyelid is a type of facial psoriasis that is usually caused by sebopsoriasis. Facial psoriasis is often associated with other types of psoriasis that also affect various areas of the body. These include:
- Plaque psoriasis
- Inverse psoriasis
- Erythrodermic psoriasis
Psoriasis is an immune system disorder that causes inflammation of skin cells and can occur anywhere on the body. Approximately 10 percent of people with psoriasis have involvement with their eyes, including the eyelids. Psoriasis affecting the eyelids or eyes is considered rare. Other conditions associated with psoriasis can cause eyelid irritation and may resemble psoriasis.
MyPsoriasisTeam members frequently discuss their experiences with psoriasis on the eyelid, which can be distressing. My facial psoriasis is playing up today. Itchy eyelids are no fun, a member said. I have developed a plaque on my eyelid! one member wrote. I had really hoped my face would not be affected.
Recommended Reading: Difference Between Eczema And Psoriasis On Hands
What Else Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider
If you have psoriasis, ask your healthcare provider:
- How can I prevent outbreaks and control symptoms?
- What medication will work best for me?
- What else should I do to improve symptoms?
- What are my options if creams dont work?
- Will psoriasis ever go away?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Psoriasis, an itchy skin condition, can come and go throughout your life. Its related to an overactive immune response and is not contagious. If you have skin changes that arent going away, talk to your healthcare provider. There is no cure for psoriasis, but psoriasis treatments can improve symptoms. Your provider may prescribe a special cream or moisturizer or medications. Other therapies are available if creams or medicines dont work. Maintaining your overall health will also help improve symptoms.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/17/2020.
References
Symptoms Of Nail Psoriasis
In virtually every case of nail psoriasis, someone will show other signs of psoriasis somewhere else on their body because its a full-body inflammatory disease. About 5% of people have nail psoriasis alone, meaning they dont have psoriatic arthritis or skin psoriasis, says dermatologist Jonathan Braue, MD. If you see somebody with pretty typical plaque psoriasis, or they have a history of plaque psoriasis, and most of the nail changes theyre having are on the fingernails, then its a slam dunk.
Read Also: Scalp Psoriasis African American Hair
What Type Of Treatment Is Used For Psoriasis On The Face
It can be difficult to treat facial psoriasis because the skin is very sensitive. Low-concentration hydrocortisone cream is often used for psoriasis on the face because it is less likely to cause side effects, such as thinning skin, than other products.
What Is Psoriasis Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment And Prevention
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes plaques, which are itchy or sore patches of thick, dry, discolored skin.
While any part of your body can be affected, psoriasis plaques most often develop on the elbows, knees, scalp, back, face, palms, and feet.
Like other autoinflammatory diseases, psoriasis occurs when your immune system which normally attacks infectious germs begins to attack healthy cells instead.
You May Like: Over The Counter Cure For Psoriasis
Psoriasis Lesions In Your Nose
Psoriasis lesions that appear inside the nose are usually white or gray.
The PAPAA indicates that psoriasis in your nose is rare. If you feel that you have psoriasis in your nose, you should see a doctor for tests to exclude other more likely conditions.
Its also unusual, but possible, to have psoriasis lesions appear on:
- your lips
How To Apply Psoriasis Medication On Your Face
Here are a few basic tips:
- Use small amounts.
- Be careful when you apply creams and ointments around the eyes. Some treatments can irritate them.
- Follow your doctorâs instructions for taking the medication so you can prevent side effects, especially with steroids.
- Ask your doctor if you can use makeup to conceal the psoriasis on your face. Some products can prevent treatment from working.
- If your medication doesnât help or causes too many side effects, work with your doctor to figure out a treatment that will help.
Don’t Miss: Psoriasis Relief Cream Gold Bond
Cautions With Other Medicines
Its very unlikely that other medicines will affect how betamethasone eye ointment or eye, ear or nose drops work.
However, tell a pharmacist or doctor if you’re taking:
- ritonavir
- cobicistat
- itraconazole
- other medicines that contain steroids such as eczema creams, asthma inhalers, tablets, injections, eye or nose drops, and other nasal sprays
These medicines can increase the level of betamethasone in your body and increase the chances of side effects.
Symptoms Of Facial Psoriasis
There are several forms of facial psoriasis. They all involve skin thats itchy, painful, and irritated.
Psoriasis around the eyes can lead to red, crusty eyelids, and eyelashes potentially rubbing against the eye. Psoriasis can also appear inside and around the ear, potentially affecting your hearing.
Scratching psoriasis lesions can also lead to broken skin and, in some cases, infection. Psoriasis can affect your self-image and general quality of life, too.
Plaque psoriasis is the most common form, and it tends to appear as raised, scaly patches. Guttate psoriasis, on the other hand, comes with pink spots that are smaller and less thick.
Erythrodermic psoriasis is rare. It tends to come with a widespread red rash, swings in body temperature, and a potentially increased vulnerability to infection.
Other types of psoriasis may appear alongside facial psoriasis for instance, scalp psoriasis affects about half of people with psoriasis.
Theres
The three main subtypes of psoriasis that appear on the face are the following:
Don’t Miss: Foam Medication For Scalp Psoriasis
Otc Treatments And Home Remedies
In addition to using steroids, rinsing the facial skin with a saline solution can also help reduce discomfort and pain.
Available OTC treatments include:
- tazarotene cream or gel, an off-label treatment that currently has approval for treating acne
- UV light, which a person should only use under a doctors supervision
If psoriasis affects the skin around the eyes, a doctor will advise taking great care when applying medications to the area. This is because many OTC psoriasis treatments can cause damage to the eyes that may lead to the development of glaucoma or cataracts.
That said, doctors sometimes recommend two off-label eczema treatments that may work especially well for treating psoriasis on the face.
These prescription drugs are tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream . People using these medications should apply them very carefully and sparingly, being sure to avoid the eyes.
These medications are unlikely to cause glaucoma. However, using them may lead to uncomfortable side effects, such as a stinging sensation.
In addition to using these topical medications, there are several precautions a person can take to reduce irritation as much as possible. These include:
- using gentle, non-soap cleansers to keep the skin clean
- applying moisturizers often
- regularly putting on sunscreen to reduce the effects of UV radiation
Practicing frequent and thorough self-care can help a person control their facial psoriasis as much as possible.
Psoriasis Causes Symptoms Treatment
Psoriasis is a common inflammatory disease of the skin which affects 2-3% of New Zealanders.
Characteristic symptoms are thick, red skin, with flaky, silver-white patches. These patches can be small and may or may not be itchy and sore. More severe cases can cover large areas of the body and have a major impact on quality of life. The aim of treatment is to minimise symptoms and prevent infection of the skin.
Psoriasis is often a life-long condition. Anyone can get psoriasis, but it is more likely to occur in people aged between 15 and 35 years and those aged between 50 and 60 years. It is not contagious, i.e. it cannot be caught from or spread to another person.
There are several different types of psoriasis, each with its own distinctive appearance. Some people will develop stiff swollen joints in combination with their psoriasis a condition known as psoriatic arthritis. The persistent visual, and sometimes disabling, nature of psoriasis can result in social, psychological, and economic consequences for people with the condition. Hence, it is important to seek effective treatment and support.
You May Like: Does Olive Oil Help Psoriasis