Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriasis have many clinical variants. These differ in severity, location, longevity, shape and pattern of scaling. The most comment variants are:

Plaque psoriasis

Nail psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis

Flexural psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis

Psoriatic arthritis

These variants present differing symptoms and signs which are briefly described below.

(a) Plaque Psoriasis

It is also known as chronic stable plaque psoriasis or psoriasis vulgaris. This is the most common form of psoriasis. The lesions are of deeper pink color than those seen in eczema or seborrhoeic dermatitis. The distinctive nature of this hue of pink is lost in dark-skinned individual. The most area of manifestation are the knees, elbows, buttocks, scalp and the anterior shins and forearms.

(b) Nail Psoriasis

This form of psoriasis causes discoloring under the nail plate, pitting of the nails, lines across the nais, thickening of the skin under the nails, loosening and crumbling of the nails.

(c) Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis appear in two forms; palmar-plantar and generalised. Palmar-plantar psoriasis are localised form in the area of palms and soles. This form is extremely rare before adulthood.

The Generalised Pustular psoriasis is a dermatological emergency. Pustules appear as red patches widespread randomly on any part of the body. It was known that oral steriods can trigger this condition and should never be used routinely for the treatmetn of psoriasis. The patients with such conditons will have to be admitted to a hospital as a matter of urgency.

(d) Flexural Psoriasis

Flexural lesions of psoriasis occur under the breast and armpits. This is more common in older patients, as well as in those who are overweight.

(e) Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis term is used when more than 95% of the skin is involved in a rash of any kind.

(f) Guttate Psoriasis

This form of psoriasis are more commonly affects children and young adults. It often follows a streptococcal sore throat. It appears as many small, red, drop-like, scaly spots. Guttate psoriasis may develop into the more common chronic plaque form of psoriasis.

(g) Psoriatic Arthritis

As the name implies, it involves the joint and connective tissue by causing inflamation. It is most common at the joints of the fingers and toes. About 15% of those who have psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis.

Related Posts:

• Introduction to Psoriasis
• Psoriasis and Emotional Impact
• Self Care for Psoriasis