Psoriasis Types

There are seven different kinds of psoriasis. Types will vary based on symptoms and locations of affected areas. None the types are contagious, and almost all are chronic conditions. No lab or blood test can identify psoriasis or type of psoriasis. Diagnosis is usually made by a close examination of the skin and nails and sometimes by examining a piece of dry skin under a microscope. If a white flake of skin is pulled and a blood droplet appears, then that's an indication of psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis usually causes problems first in the finger or around the nail and follows a skin eruption.

• Plaque Psoriasis: Causes thick, flaky patches of skin on the body.
• Guttate Psoriasis: Causes small red bumps to appear on the skin, usually after an illness. This is more common among children.
• Seborrheic Psoriasis & Palmoplantar Psoriasis :These forms of psoriasis affect certain skin areas. Seborrheic psoriasis affects the scalp or nails and palmoplantar psoriasis causes patches flaking, cracking skin on the palms and soles of the feet.
• Erythroderma Psoriasis: Most of the body is covered by thick, red, and flaking skin.
• Pustular Psoriasis: Rare form that causes deep blisters on the skin. This type of the disease is often severe and requires hospitalization because it affects the organs.
• Skin Fold Psoriasis: Also known as genital psoriasis, as this affects skin sites such as underarms, groin, and genital skin. Skin fold psoriasis can easily be mistaken for a sexually transmitted disease.

Psoriasis can also affect the finger and toe nails. Affected nails can become discolored, develop pits, become scratched, or thicken. The nail might also become loose, fall off, or start crumbling. Other prevalent symptoms include severe itching and overwhelming pain. Mild psoriasis is more common than severe psoriasis.

No type of psoriasis is contagious. Although the disease can resemble a sexually transmitted disease or contagious infection, it cannot transfer between people, even with close contact. Some types of psoriasis may be more uncomfortable, painful, and severe than others. Even with people who experience recurring infections, the condition may vary in terms of severity. It is impossible to predict exactly how the condition affects people based on type.