How can I know the symptoms of psoriasis?

Symptoms of Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis, which is also called discoid psoriasis, is the most common type. Symptoms of plaque psoriasis include patches of thick, red skin that may be covered by silver-white scales or flakes. These patches can appear anywhere on the body, but the common areas include the genitals, elbows, knees, scalp, arms, legs, torso and even in the soft tissue on the inside of the mouth. In cases where psoriasis is severe, the skin, especially around the elbows and knees, may crack and bleed. Plaque psoriasis may also cause the fingernails and toenails to thicken and detach from the nail bed.

Symptoms of Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis generally affects people under the age of 30 and presents itself as small pink or red skin spots shaped like water drops. A sore throat or strep throat may trigger an outbreak of guttate psoriasis. Generally, the patches of affected skin are not as thick as they are with other forms, especially plaque psoriasis.

Symptoms of Inverse Psoriasis

Smooth red patches of skin are the main symptoms of inverse psoriasis. This type of psoriasis is generally found in the groin, armpits, under the breasts or in other skin folds. It may be more prominent in obese people (who have more skin folds), and it is exacerbated by sweating and friction.

Symptoms of Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis is characterized by pustules, white blister sacs, filled with pus, with reddened skin around them. The pustules may appear anywhere on the body but are common on smaller areas, such as the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. The blisters usually dry up and peel off within a couple of days. Other symptoms include itching, fever and chills, fatigue and weight loss.

Symptoms of Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is the least common form of the condition, and is characterized by severe red patches that cover large areas of the skin. The red patches may itch and burn, and the skin can also peel. Erythrodermic psoriasis can be triggered by other forms of psoriasis and can be exacerbated by sunburn and certain medications.

Other Symptoms of Psoriasis

The main psoriasis symptom to watch out for is redness and irritation of the skin. Other symptoms may include joint swelling or pain, which can be an indicator of psoriatic arthritis; genital lesions in males; changes to the fingernails and toenails, including thickening, yellow or brown discoloration, dents, and separation from the nail bed; a rash in the fold of the buttocks; cracked or bleeding skin or severe itching and burning of the skin.