Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that affects the skin. Most people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis, but there are several other types as well.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that can cause crusty, thick patches of skin to develop anywhere on the body. It can often be painful and itchy and lead to swollen, hot-to-the-touch skin.

There are various types of psoriasis, each with its own symptoms and treatment options.

There are several different types of psoriasis, but the most common symptoms can include:

  • thick patches of skin that cause itching or burning, may appear red on light skin tones and violet on dark skin tones
  • dry and cracked skin that may itch or bleed
  • poor sleep quality due to irritation from symptoms

Psoriasis can affect any area of the body, but it’s most common on:

  • elbows
  • knees
  • scalp
  • trunk (back, chest, abdomen, and pelvis)
  • palms
  • soles of the feet

There are several treatment options available to help better control your symptoms and provide long-term relief.

Psoriasis can affect anyone regardless of race or ethnicity. However, limited medical research into skin of color has meant that it’s easier to recognize skin conditions in people with light skin tones. This can often lead to a missed diagnosis.

New and continuing research is helping to inform the medical community about how skin conditions can be identified on all skin tones.

On medium skin tones, psoriasis may look salmon-colored with a silver-white scale. On dark skin tones, psoriasis may appear violet with a gray scale.

There are various types of psoriasis, including:

Plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis causes patches of thick skin, called plaques, to form on parts of your body. The plaques might be covered with a thin white coating of dead skin cells, called a scale.

Plaques often appear red on light skin. On dark skin, they often appear purple, gray, or dark brown.

Plaques can be small or cover very large areas. Sometimes, small plaques join together to form larger patches on your skin.

Often, plaques will affect the same areas on each side of the body. For example, plaques might form on both of your knees or both of your elbows.

Plaque patches can be very itchy and painful. However, scratching plaque can make the buildup thicker and symptoms worse.

Nail psoriasis

Nail psoriasis occurs in up to 80% of people who have psoriasis. This type of psoriasis can happen in fingernails or toenails.

It can cause the following symptoms:

  • white, yellow, or brown discoloration of the nails
  • crumbling or rough nails
  • tiny dents in the nails
  • nails that lift up and detach

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis causes pain in your joints. It often first develops in a finger or toe.

Other signs include heel pain, swelling in your leg, and stiffness that is worse in the morning.

Guttate psoriasis

Guttate is a temporary type of psoriasis that often clears up on its own in a few weeks, although it’s possible to have it chronically.

It causes scaly, tiny, flesh-colored bumps that cover your chest, legs, and arms. The bumps can also sometimes spread to your legs, face, scalp, and ears.

According to 2019 research, this type of psoriasis is often seen in children and young adults who’ve recently had strep throat or another infection.

Inverse psoriasis

This type of psoriasis is also called intertriginous or flexural psoriasis.

It causes smooth patches of skin that might appear raw. It can look red on light skin tones and purple or darker on dark skin tones. It tends to develop in places where the skin creases, such as:

  • armpits
  • buttocks
  • genitals

Skin affected by inverse psoriasis often feels painful and sore.

Pustular psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis causes small pus-filled bumps that look infected. The bumps generally only appear on your hands and feet and can be very painful.

Seek emergency medical help if pustular psoriasis comes on suddenly and covers your entire body. This is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

Erythrodermic psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a life threatening type of psoriasis that causes your skin to look burnt. You will generally also:

  • have chills
  • have a fever
  • feel generally ill

Erythrodermic psoriasis requires immediate medical care.

There are several triggers that may lead to a psoriasis flareup. This includes:

  • high stress levels
  • excess or frequent alcohol consumption
  • skin injury
  • smoking
  • infection, such as strep throat or bronchitis

When you experience flare-ups, it may be helpful to keep track of any lifestyle factors that may be triggering your symptoms.

For example, if your stress levels were high before each flare-up, you may benefit from incorporating stress-reducing techniques into your life.

It is important to speak with a doctor, if your psoriasis symptoms are affecting your day-to-day life.

This may look like:

  • reduced sleep quality
  • an impact on your mental health
  • decreased concentration at work or school

A doctor can put together a treatment plan to help treat and manage your symptoms.

They also include potentially serious and life threatening types of psoriasis, such as pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis. Both types require immediate medical attention.

Certain types of psoriasis, such as pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis, can be potentially serious and life threatening. If you are experiencing symptoms of either type, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Is psoriasis dangerous?

In most cases, psoriasis is not dangerous. However, certain types, such as pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis, can be life threatening and require immediate medical attention.

How to cure psoriasis permanently?

There is currently no way to cure psoriasis permanently. However, several treatment options, such as topical corticosteroids, can help you manage symptoms.

What is the root cause of psoriasis?

While the root cause of psoriasis is unknown, environmental factors and genetics are thought to play a role.

The primary symptom of plaque psoriasis is thick patches of skin, called plaques. These patches can cause itching and pain. Patches often develop in the same places on both sides of your body, such as both knees.

Other types of psoriasis include conditions that can occur alongside plaque psoriasis, such as nail psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

They also include potentially life threatening types of psoriasis, such as pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis. Both types require immediate medical attention.