Symptoms of Psoriasis

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Plaque psoriasis- Approximately 80% of people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis. Typically, it is characterised by plaques on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, but it can be found on any area of the skin. Each plaque usually looks like a red raised patch with overlying flaky white scaly surface that feels rough. The plaques are well defined, single or multiple, and vary in size (a few mm's to several cm's)

Nail psoriasis -This occurs in many people with plaque psoriasis. However it may also occur alone without the plaques. Tiny pits occur in the nails, sometimes causing the nail to separate from the nail bed.

Guttate psoriasis â€“ This is characterized by small (less than 1 cm) droplet- shaped scaly patches occurring in many areas of the body. It typically occurs following a throat infection (streptococci); children and teenagers are particularly prone. The rash usually disappears (in several weeks or months), but some children go on to develop plaque psoriasis, which may remain indefinitely. Others will go on to develop plaque psoriasis later on in life. Some children, who are prone to tonsillitis, may develop Guttate psoriasis with each attack.

Inverse psoriasis: This is characterised by areas of skin in folds or creases (flexures), becoming dry with large smooth red patches. It is most commonly found in the armpits, groin, between the buttocks and under the breasts. Because these are sites of friction and sweating the areas can become itchy and very uncomfortable, especially in hot weather.

Erythrodermic psoriasis: This is characterised by the entire body periodically becoming red, inflamed and scaly. This is a very rare condition, which seriously compromises the body's temperature and fluid balance.

Pustular psoriasis is rare: There are several different types of pustular psoriasis. It is characterised by either widespread areas of red skin with pus filled blisters (pustules) (Von zumbusch pustular psoriasis), or localized areas, particularly the palms of the hands and soles of the feet (palmaplanter pustular psoriasis) or the fingers or toes ( Acropustulosis)

Von zumbusch pustular psoriasis develops very quickly, firstly the skin reddens and it feels tender, then pustules develop. The pus is not infected but consists of white blood cells. It is not contagious. It can also cause fever, chills, muscle weakness and malaise. The pustules, then dry and peel off within a couple of days, leaving the skin, shiny and smooth. Pustules may then reappear every few days or weeks.

In palmaplanter pustular psoriasis, the fleshy areas of the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet develop reddened plaques of skin and large pustules develop in a studded pattern. The pustules gradually develop into circular, brown, scaly spots, which then peel off. The pustules erupt repeatedly over months or years.

In acropustulosis pustules develop then burst, leaving bright red areas that may ooze and become scaly on the fingers and/or toes. These may lead to painful nail deformities.

Typically, people have only one form of psoriasis at a time, although sometimes two different types can occur together. One type may change to another type, or one type may become more severe