Understanding the Different Types of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition that can occur anywhere on your body. It occurs when the life cycle of your skin accelerates, forming lots of dead skin cells. That’s why psoriasis can break out anywhere and everywhere on your body. Depending on where it appears on your body, each type of psoriasis is treated differently.

At Dr. Forsha’s practice in South Jordan, Utah, our team of dermatology experts uses cutting-edge treatment plans to diagnose and treat psoriasis. Our medical professionals are caring and compassionate, developing long-standing relationships with patients and their families. 

Understanding different types of psoriasis

There are several kinds of psoriasis, and understanding what type you have can make its treatment faster and more effective. 

Plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is one of the most common forms of this disorder. It typically builds up around the elbows, knees, and scalp, and is sometimes mistaken for dandruff. Plaque psoriasis often appears as patches of red skin that collect on your body. It can be complicated to treat, especially on the scalp, as everyone’s hair and scalp are different. However, symptoms can be reduced using clinical treatments and prescription medications.

Inverse psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis is another common condition for those dealing with psoriasis. It often happens in your body folds and genitals. While it might be a little embarrassing to talk about, our kind and understanding team knows how to treat this kind of skin issue best.

Inverse psoriasis symptoms include red skin, cracked skin, itching, pain, and discomfort around the genital area. Much like psoriasis on the scalp, this area of skin can be difficult to treat, but our treatments are successful in reducing pain and relieving symptoms.

Guttate psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis typically happens during childhood and appears as small spots on the skin that are a bright red color. They’re usually spread out over the torso, limbs, and face. This kind of psoriasis affects about eight percent of people with the condition.

This form of psoriasis is formed by a reaction to strep throat, stress, skin injury, or infections. If your child has this type of psoriasis, our dedicated crew will treat it quickly while also determining the cause. Ensuring that guttate psoriasis is handled before it turns into plaque psoriasis is one of our top priorities.

Pustular psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis is one of the most severe forms of psoriasis, erupting on your body with pus-filled boils surrounded by red skin. This type of psoriasis is often confined to isolated areas on your body, such as the hands and feet. You may also experience flu-like symptoms during a breakout. The symptoms can include fever, chills, and loss of appetite. Symptoms can sometimes return because pustular psoriasis comes in cycles of pustules and then remission. 

This type of psoriasis can be treated by applying creams to the affected area, taking an oral medication, and treating the underlying cause. 

Treating the different types of psoriasis

Each type of psoriasis has a different treatment method. Luckily, every kind of psoriasis is treatable with the right therapy. Dr. Forsha and his specialists have in-depth knowledge of all types of psoriasis, so treatment and relief are one call away. 

Call Jordan Valley Dermatology today if you suspect you or your child has psoriasis. You can reach us at 801-335-6824 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Forsha.