Psoriasis: Different Types, Causes and Treatments

Rose Stella

Psoriasis is a skin disorder in which skin cells multiply up to ten times faster than usual. As a result, the skin develops into bumpy red patches covered in white scales. They can appear anywhere, but the majority of the time this condition appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Psoriasis is not transmissible. It does happen from time to time among members of the family.

Psoriasis is a disease with an unknown cause. In this disease, the immune system dysfunction causes inflammation. Raised plaques and scales on the skin may be visible signs of inflammation.

Psoriasis typically manifests itself in early adulthood. Most people have this skin condition in few areas when its not severe. In contrast, this skin disease can cover a huge area of the body in severe cases. The patches can heal and reappear throughout a person’s life.

Different types of psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is an itchy, sometimes painful condition. It can also be humiliating and does not always respond to treatment. This type of psoriaris is occasionally misdiagnosed as dermatitis or eczema. This is the most common type.

This type is characterized by patches of rough, red skin with silvery-white scales. This is skin condition occurs because skin cells receive a signal to produce new skin cells too quickly. The new cells accumulate and shed in the form of scales and patches. The build-up skin causes pain and irritation as wells as the red and silvery patches. Scratching the areas can cause skin breakdown, bleeding, and infection.

Guttate psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis is characterized by small, droplet-shaped patches on the arms, legs, scalp, and torso. This is the second most common type, but it is still uncommon.

Guttate psoriasis is common in adolescents. It is most common in children, adolescents, and adults under the age of 30Trusted Source, but it can occur at any age. Common triggers include respiratory illnesses and viral infections.

Unlike plaque psoriasis, which causes raised lesions, guttate psoriasis causes spots that are not very thick. Guttate spots are typically small and have flaky skin covering.

This condition is not transmissible . Minor treatment often clears up spots. This skin disorder can be a lifelong condition for some people, or it can manifest as plaque psoriasis later in life.

Pustular psoriasis

This health condition is not contagious and can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Pustular psoriasis is one of these types, and it causes white, noninfectious pus-filled blisters.

Pustular psoriasis can coexist with other types, such as plaque psoriasis. It can appear in isolated areas, such as the hands and feet, or all over the body. It’s uncommon to see it on the face.

It usually starts with a tender and discolored patch of skin. Large blisters of noninfectious pus form within a few hours. These blisters eventually turn brown and crusty. The skin may appear shiny or scaly after they peel off.

Inverse psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis commonly known as hidden psoriasis or intertriginous psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that occurs in places of the body where the skin rubs against the skin. These areas include, under the arms, under a woman’s breasts, or in the groin or inner thigh area.

People with inverse psoriasis frequently have another form, such as plaque psoriasis, on other parts of their body. In contrast other types, inverse psoriasis appears in smaller patches.

Erythrodermic psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a type that is extremely rare. This condition affects only about 2% of people with psoriasis. Having said that, it can be very grave. It is most common in people with unstable plaque psoriasis.

This skin disease can impair your skin’s ability to regulate your body temperature and protect you from infections. Hypothermia can occur if your body is unable to keep itself warm. As a result, this condition is classified as a medical emergency that necessitates immediate treatment, mainly in a hospital.

Possible Causes

Nobody knows what causes psoriasis, but experts believe it’s a combination of factors. Inflammation is caused by a problem with the immune system, which causes new skin cells to form too quickly. Skin cells are normally replaced every 10 to 30 days. This condition causes new cells to grow every 3 to 4 days.

These condition usually runs in families, but it can also skip generations. A grandfather and their grandson, for example, maybe affected, but not the child’s mother.

Things that can cause flare-up includes:

• Cuts, scrapes, or surgical procedures
• Emotional stress and anxiety
• Strep infections
• Medications, including antihypertensive medications like beta-blockers
• Antimalarial medication such as hydroxychloroquine

Available Treatments

Currently, there is no cure for this skin disease, but treatment can significantly reduce symptoms, even in severe cases. Recent research suggests that controlling the inflammation reduces your risk of heart disease, stroke, metabolic syndrome, and other diseases associated with inflammation.

Fortunately, there are numerous treatments available. Some reduce the formation of new skin cells, while others relieve itching and dry skin. Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on the size of your rash, where it is located on your body, your age, your overall health, and other factors. Typical treatments include:

• Steroid creams
• Moisturizers for dry skin
• Coal tar in the form of lotions, creams, foams, shampoos, and bath solutions)
• Strong cream or ointment
• Retinoid creams

The following treatments are available for moderate to severe cases:

Light therapy - In this type of treatment, the doctor uses ultraviolet light to slow the growth of skin cells on your skin. PUVA is a treatment that combines the drug psoralen with a specific type of ultraviolet light.

Methotrexate - This drug can cause bone marrow and liver disease and lung problems, so it's only prescribed to severe cases. Patients are closely monitored by doctors. The treatment requires ab tests, possibly a chest X-ray, and possibly a liver biopsy.

Retinoid - This treatment is in the form of pills, creams, foams, lotions, and gels related to vitamin A. This treatment is not recommended for pregnant women because it can cause severe birth defects.

Cyclosporine - This medication is used when the other treatments don't work anymore. This can cause damage to the kidneys and raise blood pressure.

Biologic treatments – These work by blocking the body’s immune system to better control the inflammation.

An enzyme inhibitor – It’s a pill that blocks a specific enzyme, which helps to slow other reactions that lead to inflammation.