Psoriasis does not always manifest in the same way. For this reason, we at Clínica Áureo believe that it would be of interest to you to learn to differentiate it, although for an accurate diagnosis it is advisable to visit a dermatologist who can confirm what type it is and what treatment you should follow.
Before we continue, we must make it clear that psoriasis is NOT contagious nor infectious.
Plaque psoriasis: the most common form, as it occurs in 80 to 95% of patients. It manifests as red plaques with scales, producing deep lesions on the skin that cause itching and pain.
Guttate or drops: usually appears at an early age, in the form of red spots or small plaques on the skin, hence its name. It is the second most common form as it affects 10% of patients diagnosed.
Inverse: it is distinguished as deep red plaques on the skin and usually appears in the inguinal and intergluteal folds and the popliteal and anticubital fossa areas. It often appears in combination with the previous two.
Pustular: although very rare, this type of psoriasis manifests in the form of white pustules (containing NON-infectious pus) and surrounded by reddened skin. It usually appears on hands and feet.
Erythrodermic: it is a minority typology affecting only 3% of patients, but it is a serious condition that causes painful reddened areas.
Nail psoriasis: as it affects the nails it is the most visible type. It may appear on the hands as small dots or thimble-like marks, or also as a deformation or thickening of the nails.
Psoriatic arthritis: Only a few people suffer from it, approximately between 10% and 30% of those diagnosed. This type of psoriasis affects the joints, especially in fingers and toes, wrists or knees, and produces pain. In some more serious cases it may also affect the spine, causing pain and stiffness.
The seriousness or severity of this pathology does not depend on the type of psoriasis you might have, but on the percentage of cutaneous surface that is affected, its location and other factors such as its effect on people’s day-to-day life. For this reason, we insist that a good dermatological diagnose and treatment will improve the patient’s quality of life.
Clínica Áureo. Dermatology department.
26 October 2017
