Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in your skin. Symptoms of psoriasis include thick areas of discolored skin covered with scales. These thick, scaly areas are called plaques.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition, which means it can flare up unexpectedly and there’s no cure.

What are the types of psoriasis?

There are several types of psoriasis, including:

• Plaque psoriasis: Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. About 80% to 90% of people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis.
• Inverse psoriasis: This type appears in your skin folds. It causes thin plaques without scales.
• Guttate psoriasis: Guttate psoriasis may appear after a sore throat caused by a streptococcal infection. It looks like small, red, drop-shaped scaly spots and often affects children and young adults.
• Pustular psoriasis: Pustular psoriasis has small, pus-filled bumps on top of plaques.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis: This is a severe type of psoriasis that affects a large area (more than 90%) of your skin. It causes widespread skin discoloration and skin shedding.
• Sebopsoriasis: This type typically appears on your face and scalp as bumps and plaques with a greasy, yellow scale. This is a cross between psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
• Nail psoriasis: Nail psoriasis causes skin discoloration, pitting and changes to your fingernails and toenails.

What part of my body will psoriasis affect?

A psoriasis rash can show up anywhere on your skin. Psoriasis is common on your:

• Elbows and knees.
• Face and inside of your mouth.
• Scalp
• Fingernails and toenails.
• Genitals.
• Lower back.
• Palms and feet.

In most people, psoriasis covers a small area of their skin. In severe cases, the plaques connect and cover a large area of your body.

What is psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that causes joint pain and swelling. Similar to psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes your immune system to function abnormally and cause symptoms. About 1 in 3 people diagnosed with psoriasis will also develop arthritis due to inflammation. Early treatment of psoriatic arthritis can reduce damage to your joints.

Who does psoriasis affect and how common is it?

People of any age, sex or race can get psoriasis. Psoriasis affects millions of people. More than 3% of the U.S. population has psoriasis.

Is psoriasis the same as eczema?

Psoriasis and eczema are two different skin conditions. Both conditions cause similar symptoms like discolored skin, a rash and itching. Psoriasis plaques cause areas of thick skin covered in scales. Eczema causes a rash of dry and bumpy skin. Eczema also typically causes more intense itching than psoriasis.