Types of Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis

The most common type of psoriasis, about 80-90% of people with psoriasis have this type.

The plaques (red, raised, scaly patches of skin) can be itchy or sore. If it is particularly bad, the skin around your joints may crack and bleed.

Scalp psoriasis

This is when plaque psoriasis develops on your scalp or hairline. It can become very itchy for some people, but it may cause less discomfort for others.

Sometimes your hair may thin in the area where the psoriasis appears but it usually grows back when the psoriasis clears up.

Nail psoriasis

About half of people with psoriasis also have nail psoriasis. It makes your nails discoloured and have ridges or dents. In some severe cases they may separate from the nail bed or crumble.

Guttate psoriasis

This type of psoriasis usually happens after a streptococcal throat infection. It is more often seen in children and young adults, but can happen at any age.

Guttate psoriasis looks like small tear drop spots all over the body and arms/legs. It usually clears up after several weeks or months.

Inverse (flexural) psoriasis

This type of psoriasis appears in skin folds such as the armpits, groin or underneath the breasts. Sweat and rubbing irritates this type of psoriasis so during summer it is often worse.

These areas are also prone to yeast infections, which can sometimes make it more difficult to diagnose.

Pustular psoriasis

There are two types of pustular psoriasis.

• Palmar plantar psoriasis only affects the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
• Generalised pustular psoriasis affects the whole body.

Pustular psoriasis causes small, pus-filled, blisters to appear on the skin. This is not because of an infection and is not contagious.

Erythrodermic psoriasis

This is an extremely rare and particularly severe type of psoriasis. Erythrodermic psoriasis affects the whole body and causes intense itching and burning sensations. It can cause your body to lose fluids and heat and can be life-threatening if not treated with specialist care.