Skin rash? It might be Psoriasis

For the common man, a rash is just a rash. But to a medical expert, you may be dealing with an inflammatory skin condition called psoriasis. So, how do you know if it might be psoriasis? Let’s understand this skin disease better.

What do the different types of psoriasis look like?

There are different types of psoriasis that have different symptoms. However, the symptoms and types often overlap.

• Plaque psoriasis:

  This is the most common form. 80%-90% of psoriasis patients have this form. (Source: American Academy of Dermatology) A plaque psoriasis rash consists of red patches of plaque which has a silvery-white coating of scale. It usually occurs on the scalp, the lower back, the elbows and the knees. The patches can be sore and itchy. And they can get thicker.

   

• Scalp psoriasis:

  With scalp psoriasis, plaque forms on the scalp and perhaps beyond the hairline, on the forehead, the back of the neck and behind the ears. There will be flakes that may look like dandruff and red, itchy and thickened skin. Scalp psoriasis leads to hair loss if symptoms become severe. And cracked and broken skin may cause infection. Medical help can reduce these risks.

   

• Pustular psoriasis:

  Pustular psoriasis gives rise to painful, pus-filled bumps. They typically affect the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. The skin near the bumps becomes swollen and red. Once dried, they leave behind brown, scaly spots. You might also experience fever, chills, weak muscles, little appetite, extensive itching and tiredness.

   

• Guttate psoriasis:

  Guttate psoriasis often develops after an illness like strep throat. It affects around 10% of psoriasis patients. (Source: National Psoriasis Foundation) Guttate psoriasis patients usually develop small red spots all over the body. Most often, these will be on the chest, legs and arms.

   

• Nail psoriasis:

  People with plaque or other types of psoriasis might develop nail psoriasis. Finger and toenails might develop pits. And they may thicken, crumble or fall off. Some develop nail psoriasis without having another type of psoriasis.

   

• Erythrodermic psoriasis:

  Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare and severe condition. Symptoms include red skin across a large area of the body (which looks like a burn), intense pain, itching and fluid loss (due to skin damage). You might also feel very hot or very cold, as your body is not able to maintain a stable temperature.