If one notices red, scaly patches on the skin, it may be an early sign of psoriasis. Psoriasis is a long-term (chronic) disease that causes red, scaly patches of skin. It usually occurs on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. The skin condition generally goes through cycles — flaring up and then subsiding for a while or going into remission. Research suggests that certain factors like stress, extreme temperatures, and certain medications that upset the immune system can trigger psoriasis flare-ups. Here's a quick look at the key types of psoriasis, as well as the signs and symptoms that one can expect to see.
1. Plaque psoriasis: This is the most common type of psoriasis that people develop. Common symptoms include:
- Patches of raised, thick skin called plaques
- Scale (a thin, dry, and silver-white layer) that covers some plaques
- A number of smaller plaques that join together to form a large plaque
- Plaques of various sizes
2. Guttate psoriasis: This type of psoriasis causes tiny bumps on the skin, and these bumps tend to cover the legs, torso, arms, and, sometimes, the face as well. No matter where the bumps appear, they will be:
- Scaly and small
- Pink or salmon-colored
- Temporary (meaning they will clear out in weeks or months)
3. Inverse psoriasis: This type of psoriasis develops in places where the skin rubs against skin, like the armpits, crease of the buttocks, or the genitals. People who suffer from inverse psoriasis may notice:
- Red, smooth patches of skin that appear to be raw
- Sore or painful skin
4. Pustular psoriasis: This type of psoriasis results in pus-filled bumps that appear on the hands and feet. This skin condition can make pretty much any activity that requires one to use their hands or feet unbearably painful. While the bumps may look like they are infected, they are usually not. This is because the bumps don't contain bacteria or anything else that may cause an infection. Pustular psoriasis causes:
- Red skin that is swollen and dotted with pus-filled bumps
- Brown dots that appear as the pus dries
- Extremely painful and sore skin
