Psoriasis Of The Mucous Membranes
This form of psoriasis is less common than in other locations. It can reach the mouth, the tongue, and the inside of the cheeks, as well as the genital mucosa . In this case, psoriasis can cause disability in sex life. Sexual intercourse is not recommended during periods of stress, to avoid microtrauma that could worsen the symptoms. If it is not troublesome, mucosal psoriasis does not warrant treatment.
Uncommon Types Of Psoriasis
Some uncommon types of psoriasis can have more serious effects.
Erythrodermic psoriasis causes all of the skin on the body to become red and scaly. This form of psoriasis is serious because, like a burn, it keeps the skin from serving as a protective barrier against injury and infection.
Pustular psoriasis is another uncommon form of psoriasis. In this form, large and small pus-filled blisters are scattered widely on the body.
Palmoplantar psoriasis is a form of pustular psoriasis in which pustules occur primarily on the hands and feet. It is sometimes called palmoplantar psoriasis of the palms and soles.
How To Tell If Your Rash Is Psoriasis
A guide to spotting psoriasis symptoms and getting help
The most common type of psoriasisplaque psoriasisusually appears as red, raised patches of skin covered in white, flaking scales that crop up on the knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet, or lower back.
Those with psoriasis may also experience itching, nail disfigurement , and dry or cracked skin that can bleed.
In guttate psoriasis, the second most common form of the disease, the patches are small and shaped like drops of water.
Painful swelling of the joints is a common symptom of psoriatic arthritis, which can develop before or after someone is diagnosed with psoriasis. Up to 30% of people with psoriasis will also have psoriatic arthritis.
Because skin conditions often resemble one another, it is best to see your primary care provider for a diagnosis. Your psoriasis may flare without warning or be triggered by stress, medications, a skin injury, dry skin, or other stimuli. It can remit as quickly as it came, but it usually requires treatment to keep the condition from worsening.
Don’t Miss: Causes Of Psoriasis And Eczema
What Symptoms Should You Watch For
Visually, it can sometimes be difficult to tell one condition from the other.
You have to look at all the clinical aspects of a rash to distinguish between eczema and psoriasis, including the history and the patients other medical problems, Dr. Fernandez says.
The common signs dry and/or cracked scaly skin, itching and red patches or plaques may show up for either.
With psoriasis, the plaques on your skin are likely thicker and have dry scaling. But sometimes thats not enough to tell between the two with the naked eye, Dr. Fernandez says.
A more obvious clue fluid leaking through the skin points to eczema.
When we see that, we definitely think about eczema instead of psoriasis, he says. But there are definitely times when we cannot tell the difference. And, in those cases, we will perform biopsies.
How Do People Get A Second Type Of Psoriasis On Their Skin
While theres no way to predict who will develop a second type of psoriasis, some people may be more susceptible. For example, having severe psoriasis that isnt well controlled, stopping a strong medication too quickly, or getting strep throat may increase your risk.
The following explains how people who have plaque psoriasis, the most common type of psoriasis, can develop a second type of psoriasis on their skin.
Youll also find out how plaque psoriasis can turn into a different type of psoriasis.
Inverse psoriasis: Many people gain a lot of weight after getting plaque psoriasis. Researchers arent sure why this happens, but they have discovered that extra pounds can increase your risk of developing inverse psoriasis.
Inverse psoriasis only forms in areas where skin touches skin, such as the armpits, groin, or underneath the breasts. It causes smooth, bright-red patches of raw-feeling skin.
Guttate psoriasis: Some people with plaque psoriasis have developed guttate psoriasis after getting an infection, such as strep throat. Guttate psoriasis causes spots on the skin that are small, pink to salmon-colored, and scaly. These spots are often widespread, appearing on the torso, legs, and arms.
Erythrodermic psoriasis: Some people who have severe plaque psoriasis see their plaque psoriasis turn into erythrodermic psoriasis. This can happen when:
Different ways that psoriasis can affect the nails
You May Like: First Line Treatment For Psoriasis
What Does Psoriasis Look And Feel Like
There are five main types of psoriasis. Your doctor will diagnose which type you have and work out a treatment plan with you.
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis affecting about 90 per cent of people with the condition.
It’s recognised by its telltale plaques: patches of thick, red skin that are covered with silvery white scales. Plaques can come in all shapes and sizes, and their edges usually have a clear border separating them from the skin around them. They are often itchy and can crack and bleed.
Plaque psoriasis most commonly affects the front of elbows and knees, the scalp and the lower back.
Home Remedies For Psoriasis
There are many home remedies in the treatment of psoriasis. It is very important to keep the skin moist to avoid dryness. Petroleum jelly, vegetable shortening, or olive oil can be used as moisturizers. Take fewer showers and baths to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils. Adding salts, oil, or finely ground oatmeal to a bath can soothe the skin. Heliotherapy can be effective in controlling psoriasis. There is also evidence that increased body mass is associated with psoriasis and that heavier individuals are more difficult to treat.
Don’t Miss: Can You Have Multiple Types Of Psoriasis
Systemic Psoriasis Treatment: Balancing Risks And Benefits
The fine print on the labels for systemic treatments could give anyone concerns. Most systemic treatments target the immune system. Also:
- Biologic therapies and some oral treatments can raise the chance of having an infection, so your doctor will monitor you while you are taking them.
- Methotrexate requires monitoring for liver, bone marrow, kidney, and lung damage.
- Cyclosporine can cause kidney damage and needs to be monitored.
Each treatment has its own side effects, which you should discuss with your doctor.
Heat Rash: Sweating That Leads To Bumpy Red Skin
Inverse psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that forms in the armpits and skin folds under breasts or in groin areas, making the skin red and shiny. Sweating makes this type of psoriasis worse. Heat rash also makes your skin red and forms in skin folds of the groin, breasts, and armpits. Heat rash occurs in hot, humid conditions. Sweating can cause your pores to get blocked and result in a bumpy, red skin rash that stings. Heat rash is more common in newborns, but can also affect older children and adults.
Recommended Reading: Best Natural Shampoo For Psoriasis
Ringworm: Fungal Infections Of The Skin And Nails
Tinea is a type of fungal infection that resembles some symptoms of psoriasis. Psoriasis can cause the thick fingernails symptomatic of fungal nail infections, and both can cause red, itchy skin rashes. When tinea grows on your skin, it can cause a scaly, red skin rash that clears in the middle, called ringworm . Fungal infections of the skin and nails can be hard to treat. Antifungal medications work, but you may need to take them for a long time.
Medical Treatment Topical Agents
The first line of treatment for psoriasis includes topical medications applied to your skin. The main topical treatments are corticosteroids , vitamin D-3 derivatives, coal tar, anthralin, and retinoids. These drugs may lose potency over time, so often they are rotated or combined. Ask your doctor before combining medications, as some drugs should not be combined.
Recommended Reading: Is Eating Oatmeal Good For Psoriasis
Psoriasis Of The Scalp
In 50 to 80% of adult plaque psoriasis cases, the scalp is affected. Irritation and dander in flakes are visible and very annoying for people with the disease. The plates are thick and can spread on the forehead, behind the ears, and on the nape of the neck. The repercussion is important at the social level.
What Is Cdc Doing About Psoriasis
In 2010, CDC worked with experts in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and public health to develop a public health perspective that considers how these conditions affect the entire population. The resulting report is Developing and Addressing the Public Health Agenda for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis pdf icon. You can read a short article about the agendaexternal icon in The American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
CDCs National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey , an intermittent source of national psoriasis data, has included questions about psoriasis as late as the 2013-2014 cycle. A recent analysis of NHANES data estimates that 7.4 million adults had psoriasis in 2013external icon.
- Psoriasis causes patches of thick red skin and silvery scales. Patches are typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of feet, but can affect other places . The most common type of psoriasis is called plaque psoriasis.
- Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory type of arthritis that eventually occurs in 10% to 20% of people with psoriasis. It is different from more common types of arthritis and is thought to be related to the underlying problem of psoriasis.
- Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are sometimes considered together as psoriatic disease.
Who is at risk for psoriasis?
Anyone can get psoriasis. It occurs mostly in adults, but children can also get it. Men and women seem to have equal risk.
Can I get psoriasis from someone who has it?
Recommended Reading: Psoriasis En Los Pies Fotos
What Should You Do If You Develop Another Type Of Psoriasis
Life-threatening signs and symptoms, such as redness that covers most of your body, fever, and chills, require immediate medical care.
When signs and symptoms are not life threatening, you should see a board-certified dermatologist for a diagnosis. Youll find pictures of the different types of psoriasis and learn more about the possible signs and symptoms at Psoriasis: Signs and symptoms
ImagesImage 1: Getty ImagesImage 2: J Am Acad Dermatol 2013 69:245-52.
ReferencesBrummer GC, Hawkes JE, et al. Ustekinumab-induced remission of recalcitrant guttate psoriasis: A case series. JAAD Case Rep. 2017 3: 4325.
Egeberg A, Thyssen JP, et al. Prognosis after hospitalization for erythroderma. Acta Derm Venereol. 2016 96:959-92.
Gottlieb A, Korman NJ, et al. “Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: Section 2. Psoriatic arthritis: Overview and guidelines of care for treatment with an emphasis on the biologics. J Am Acad Dermatol 2008 58:851-64.
Gudjonsson JE and Elder JT. Psoriasis. In: Wolff K, Goldsmith LA, et al. Fitzpatricks Dermatology in General Medicine. McGraw Hill Medical, New York, 2008:178-81.
Khosravi H, Siegel MP, et al. Treatment of Inverse/Intertriginous Psoriasis: Updated Guidelines from the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation. J Drugs Dermatol. 2017 16:760-6.
Navrotski BRF, Nihi FM, et al. Wet wrap dressings as a rescue therapy option for erythrodermic psoriasis. An Bras Dermatol. 2018 93:598-600.
*** Psoriasis And Pregnancy
Suffering from psoriasis does not prevent you from having children. During pregnancy, the symptoms of psoriasis tend to subside or disappear .
However, because oral psoriasis medications are potentially toxic to the fetus, women who use these treatments and are of childbearing potential must use effective contraception. When pregnancy is desired, these treatments are suspended for at least two months before stopping contraception. In the months following the birth of the child, a flare of psoriasis is quite frequently observed.
Also Check: What Are Symptoms Of Plaque Psoriasis
Who Gets Different Types Of Psoriasis
Psoriasis isnt a cookie-cutter disease. You can have one type of psoriasis most of your life and then develop a secondary type. Additionally, your psoriasis may affect your nails or joints before it affects your skin.
Though theres no clear way to predict the course of your psoriasis, getting the right diagnosis and treatment can help you gain control over your symptoms and prevent future flare-ups.
Our dermatologists develop individualized treatment plans based on psoriasis type and symptoms. We offer many innovative treatments, including light therapy and biological treatment.
Were also currently participating in a psoriasisclinical study and looking for qualified volunteers.
Whether youre struggling to get the right diagnosis or need help controlling your psoriasis, we can provide the care you need.
Call the office in Blaine, New Brighton, Maple Grove, Fridley, Eden Prairie, or Coon Rapids, Minnesota, or use theonline booking tool to schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists.
You Might Also Enjoy…
What Are The Clinical Features Of Psoriasis
Psoriasis usually presents with symmetrically distributed, red, scaly plaques with well-defined edges. The scale is typically silvery white, except in skin folds where the plaques often appear shiny with a moist peeling surface. The most common sites are scalp, elbows, and knees, but any part of the skin can be involved. The plaques are usually very persistent without treatment.
Itch is mostly mild but may be severe in some patients, leading to scratching and lichenification characterised by thickened leathery skin and increased skin markings. Painful skin cracks or fissures may occur.
When psoriatic plaques clear up, they may leave brown or pale marks that can be expected to fade over several months.
Don’t Miss: Small Psoriasis Spots On Legs
*** The Role Of General And Psychological State In Psoriasis Flares
Fatigue and stress can trigger psoriasis flares. In the same way, an emotional shock or an accident can be triggered. Occasionally, psoriasis may develop as a result of an infection .
Psoriasis outbreaks can also be linked to excessive consumption of tobacco and alcoholic beverages. Finally, it seems that obese people are more predisposed to developing relapses.
What Are Other Types Of Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type. About 80% to 90% of people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis.
Other, less common types of psoriasis include:
- Inverse psoriasis appears in skin folds. It may look like thin pink plaques without scale.
- Guttate psoriasis may appear after a sore throat caused by a streptococcal infection. It looks like small, red, drop-shaped scaly spots in children and young adults.
- Pustular psoriasis has small, pus-filled bumps on top of the red patches or plaques.
- Sebopsoriasis typically appears on the face and scalp as red bumps and plaques with greasy yellow scale. This type is a cross between psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
Also Check: What Makes Psoriasis Flare Up
How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed And Treated
Psoriasis often has a typical appearance that a primary care doctor can recognize, but it can be confused with other skin diseases , so a dermatologist is often the best doctor to diagnose it. The treatment of psoriasis usually depends on how much skin is affected, how bad the disease is , or the location . Treatments range from creams and ointments applied to the affected areas to ultraviolet light therapy to drugs . Many people who have psoriasis also have serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression. Some people with psoriasis also have an inflammatory condition which affects their joints, called psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriatic arthritis has many of the same symptoms as other types of arthritis, so a rheumatologist is often the best doctor to diagnose it. The treatment of psoriatic arthritis usually involves the use of drugs .
Psoriatic disease may be treated with drugs or a combination of drugs and creams or ointments.
Ii Evolution And Complications Of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic disease that evolves by relapses. Their duration and frequency are very variable from one person to another and difficult to predict. These outbreaks are interspersed with periods of lull, called remission, more or less long, during which lesions disappear partially or completely. This is called bleaching of the lesions.
Except for very special and rare forms, psoriasis is not dangerous to health and does not put the life of the patient in danger. Nevertheless, its psychological and social consequences justify that it be treated effectively.
Some diseases are more commonly seen in patients with psoriasis than in the general population. These psoriasis-associated diseases seem to share similar mechanisms of onset: chronic inflammation and, perhaps, genetic predisposition. Among the diseases that may proceed, be associated with or follow psoriasis:
inflammatory rheumatism
certain inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract ,
vitiligo, a skin disease that results in depigmented spots ,
certain inflammations of the thyroid.
It also appears that more cardiovascular disorders and type 2 diabetes are diagnosed in patients with psoriasis.
Also Check: Psoriasis Home Treatment In Telugu
Psoriasis And Quality Of Life
Doctors and people with psoriasis donât always agree on whatâs mild and whatâs serious. Psoriasis can affect self-image and make people self-conscious. This can even lead to depression and social isolation.
Only a frank discussion with your doctor about what living with psoriasis means to you will get these issues out in the open.
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
Also Check: Treatments For Plaque Psoriasis Scalp
Psoriasis Comes And Goes And Is Different For Everyone
Psoriasis is a life-long condition that can come and go at any time. Most people with psoriasis will have times when their condition is more severe followed by times when their symptoms are mild or they have none at all .
How severe psoriasis is also varies greatly from one person to another. In Australia and New Zealand, doctors divide psoriasis into two main groups:
This grading is based on a combination of the appearance of the plaques, the area they cover and how psoriasis affects quality of life. Classifying psoriasis like this helps doctors to work out a treatment plan and also to monitor your treatment progress.