Types of Psoriasis

Types list: The list of types of Psoriasis mentioned in various sources includes:

Plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris) - most common type
Guttate psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis

Types discussion: There are several forms of psoriasis. The most common form is plaque psoriasis (its scientific name is psoriasis vulgaris). In plaque psoriasis, lesions have a reddened base covered by silvery scales. Other forms of psoriasis include

Guttate psoriasis--Small, drop-like lesions appear on the trunk, limbs, and scalp. Guttate psoriasis is most often triggered by bacterial infections (for example, Streptococcus).
Pustular psoriasis--Blisters of noninfectious pus appear on the skin. Attacks of pustular psoriasis may be triggered by medications, infections, emotional stress, or exposure to certain chemicals. Pustular psoriasis may affect either small or large areas of the body.
Inverse psoriasis--Large, dry, smooth, vividly red plaques occur in the folds of the skin near the genitals, under the breasts, or in the armpits. Inverse psoriasis is related to increased sensitivity to friction and sweating and may be painful or itchy.
Erythrodermic psoriasis--Widespread reddening and scaling of the skin is often accompanied by itching or pain. Erythrodermic psoriasis may be precipitated by severe sunburn, use of oral steroids (such as cortisone), or a drug-related rash.

There are several forms of psoriasis. The most common form is plaque psoriasis (its scientific name is psoriasis vulgaris). In plaque psoriasis, lesions have a reddened base covered by silvery scales. Other forms of psoriasis include:

Guttate Psoriasis: Drop-like lesions appear on the trunk, limbs, and scalp. Guttate psoriasis may be triggered by viral respiratory infections or certain bacterial (streptococcal) infections.

Pustular Psoriasis: Blisters of noninfectious pus appear on the skin. Attacks of pustular psoriasis may be triggered by medications, sunlight, infections, pregnancy, perspiration, emotional stress, or exposure to certain chemicals.

Inverse Psoriasis: Large, dry, smooth, vividly red plaques occur in the folds of skin near the genitals, under the breasts, or in the armpits. Inverse psoriasis is related to increased sensitivity to friction and sweating.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis: Widespread reddening and scaling of the skin is often accompanied by itching or pain. Erythrodermic psoriasis may be precipitated by severe sunburn, use of oral steroids (such as cortisone), or a drug-related rash. ²

Footnotes:
1. excerpt from Questions and Answers About Psoriasis: NIAMS
2. excerpt from Psoriasis: NWHIC

Last revision: June 12, 2003

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