As we have seen several types of psoriasis. All these types of psoriasis has unique “signs & Symptoms” Doctors mainly look for these signs on physical exam so that they can distinguish among the types of psoriasis. These signs include descriptions of the location and shape and pattern of the lesions. Symptoms are the words that the person uses to describe how their disease feels. Some symptoms of the psoriasis include itching, pain, and sensitivity of affected skin.
The following is a brief description of the signs and symptoms of each type of Psoriasis
Plaque Psoriasis: This is the common type of psoriasis found in 80% to 90% of the peoples affected by this disease. Signs and symptoms include,
• Thickened patches of reddish skin, called “plaques,” covered by silvery-white scales.
• They mostly affect elbows, knees, scalp, chest, and lower back.
Guttate Psoriasis: This is a less commonly affected type only 0% of the patients have this type. Signs and symptoms include,
• Drop-sized, red dots usually found on the trunk, arms, and legs.
• Lesions widespread.
• Appears quickly, usually a few days after a strep throat or other trigger, such as a cold, tonsillitis, chicken pox, skin injury, or taking certain medications.
Pustular Psoriasis: This type of psoriasis affects less than 5% of people who develop psoriasis and mainly occurs in adults. There are two types of Pustular psoriasis: localized and generalized.
Localized Pustular psoriasis: Signs and symptoms include,
• They are usually found in the palms and soles. This is known as “palmoplantar psoriasis.”
• Skin red, swollen, and dotted with pus-filled lesions.
• Pus-filled lesions dry, leaving behind brown dots and/or scale.
• Affected areas tender and sore. Using hands or walking often painful.
Generalized Pustular psoriasis: This is a rare and severe type of psoriasis which can be life-threatening. Signs and symptoms include,
• Widespread areas of fiery-red swollen skin covered with small, white, pus-filled blisters
• Fever
• Chills
• Severe itching
• Rapid pulse rate
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle weakness
Inverse Psoriasis: This is also called as “skin-fold,” “flexural,” or “genital” psoriasis. This type of psoriasis may be severe and incapacitating. Signs and symptoms include,
• Red and inflamed plaques that occur in skin folds — armpits, in the genital area, between the buttocks, and under the breasts.
• Scale usually does not form, and the lesions are shiny and smooth.
• Skin very tender.
• Lesion easily irritated, especially by rubbing and perspiration.
• More prevalent in people who are overweight.
• Many people have another type of psoriasis elsewhere on the body.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis: Signs and symptoms include,
• Severe redness and shedding of the skin that covers a large portion of the body.
• Skin looks as if it has been burned.
• Fluctuating body temperature, especially on very hot or cold days.
• Accelerated heart rate due to increased blood flow to the skin — can complicate heart disease and cause heart failure.
• Severe itching and pain. |