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7 types of Psoriasis: Triggers and Symptoms

Dr. Sreelekha Daruvuri

4 Min Read

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Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes the buildup of skin cells. This can lead to the formation on scales and patches on the skin that are dry and itchy. Normally skin cells grow and fall off in a month. In Psoriasis, skin cells do this in 3 or 4 days. While it has been considered a condition that is caused by a problem in the immune system, it does have certain common triggers. There are also various types of psoriasis – 7 in particular. This article will take a deep dive into each of them along with highlighting each of their symptoms, causes and treatments.

The triggers of Psoriasis can include infections, stressful situations, too much sun exposure or conditions caused by weak immune systems such as the flu or a cold. While the most common symptom of Psoriasis does include a visible skin rash, it can also affect an individual’s nails and joints.

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General symptoms of Psoriasis

7 types of Psoriasi

– Skin rashes
– Dry and flaky skin
– Skin bumps and thickening
– Skin redness
– Itchy skin
– Joint pain and stiffness
– Nail plaques
– Nail dents

Common Psoriasis triggers

– Stress
– Infections
– Medications such as Lithium, Indomethacin, Antimalarial drugs, and Quinidine
– Allergies
– Diet
– Sun exposure
– Cold weather

Generally speaking, the goal of Psoriasis treatment is to help the individual cope with the rashes/scales on the skin. This can include medications such as steroids, anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants and in some cases a vitamin D analogues. Additionally, a medical procedure called photodynamic therapy can also be done. Lifestyle changes that are advised are the introduction of light or UV therapy, the usage of petroleum jelly and moisturizer and the controlling and managing of triggers such as stress.

7 types of Psoriasis: Triggers and Symptoms

Type of Psoriasis	Triggers	Symptoms
Plaque Psoriasis/psoriasis vulgaris (most common)	– Cold weather – Stress – Illnesses – Antimalarial drugs	– Red and inflamed skin – Silver and white scales – Itchy/burning skin patches – Affected areas: knees, elbows, and scalp
Inverse Psoriasis	– Sweating – Friction – Infections (most commonly fungal)	– Bright red/shiny skin patches with NO scales – Affected areas: under breasts, skin folds, armpits, groin area, and genitals
Erythrodermic Psoriasis (uncommon but serious)	– Sudden stop of psoriasis treatment (systemic) – Allergic reaction to drugs – Infections – Medications such as cortisone, lithium or anti malaria drug – Sunburns	– Skin that looks visibly burned – Severe itching – Peeling and burning skin – Increased heart rate – Fluctuation in body temperature – Swollen ankles, joint pains *This condition can cause severe symptoms such as extreme protein and fluid loss. Pneumonia, hypothermia and severe infections.
Nail Psoriasis (common in those suffering from Psoriatic arthritis)	Specific cause is not known. – Genetic – Trauma	– Nail pain – Nail color changes (they usually turn brown or dark yellow) – Nail pitting – Nail separation from nail bed – Increased fungal infections
Guttate Psoriasis (affects young adults and children)	– Bacterial infections (upper respiratory, sinus, flu, tonsillitis) – Stress – Injured skin – Drugs such as beta blockers and antimalarial drugs	– Pink/light red spots – Affected areas: arms, thigs, scalp and trunk
Pustular Psoriasis (common in adults but generally uncommon)	– Steroid topical medication – Pregnancy – Stress – Infections – Increased UV light exposure – Chemicals exposure	– Non-infectious skin bumps with pus – Fever and chills – Increased heart rate – Muscle pain and weakness – Episode of nausea – Affected areas usually include one area of body (commonly hands and feet)
Psoriatic Arthritis (The combination of both psoriasis and arthritis)	– Cigarette smoke – Skin infections – Stress – Harsh weather – Increased alcohol consumption	– Joint pain and stiffness (usually severe in morning and after rest) – Swelling of fingers and toes – Discolored joint areas – Joint warm to touch

Psoriasis can be diagnosed by a general physician, who can then (depending on the type and progress of the condition) refer the patient to either a Rheumatologist or Dermatologist. It is imperative that you don’t self diagnose or self treat a condition such as Psoriasis. It can worsen the symptoms and cause extreme discomfort. Talking to specialists will allow you to navigate your symptoms better with supervised treatment and appropriate medication/therapy.