Psoriasis

Plaque Psoriasis is the most common form of the disease and what most people refer to when they’re talking about Psoriasis in a general sense. About 80% of people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis. It manifests as thick, red patches of skin that are usually one to 10 centimeters wide, sometimes with a scaly layer colored either silver or white.

This type of Psoriasis appears on the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp. Psoriasis dermatologists often prescribe moisturizers like cortisone cream to ease the discomfort and keep the skin from becoming too dry. Psoriasis specialists may also consider light therapy, other creams like coal tar and vitamin D cream, and therapy to stop the cause which could stress or lack of sleep.

Guttate Psoriasis is the second most common form of this disease, appearing in about 10 percent of people with Psoriasis. This type manifests as small, red spots on the skin in a drop shape. Guttate Psoriasis usually appears around the torso, limbs, face, and scalp. While not as thick as Plaque Psoriasis, Guttate can develop into Plaque over time. The usual treatment includes steroid creams, light therapy, and oral medications.

Flexural or Inverse Psoriasis appears as red, shiny, and smooth areas. They’re commonly found in skin folds like under breasts, armpits, or in the groin area. They’re found in these places because they’re caused by sweat and moisture trapped in these folds that keep Psoriasis from shedding. People with Inverse Psoriasis often already have other forms of psoriasis elsewhere on the body. Treatments from Psoriasis dermatologists include steroid creams, light therapy, and oral medications.