Plaque psoriasis photos along with other psoriasis images can help you identify the different types.
Discuss any skin issues you notice with your healthcare provider.
Unlike other types, plaque psoriasis produces raised, red patches of skin that are covered by silvery-white scales.
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Plaque Psoriasis
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
Whenplaque psoriasisfirst starts, it may look like red bumps on your skin.
Psoriasis plaques are round to oval with clearly defined borders.
CDC / Dr. N.J. Fiumara
There may be only a few plaques or there may be a large number of them.
On lighter skin tones, plaques appear pink.
On darker skin, they may look brown or gray.
CDC / Susan Lindsley
After plaques heal, the affected skin may appear darker or lighter temporarily, but this typically fades.
Plaque psoriasis can sometimes be mistaken for eczema.
However, eczema tends to be very itchy, while plaque psoriasis is only mildly so.
CDC / Dr. Gavin Hart
Treatment
Treatmentvaries depending on where the psoriasis is located on the body and individual severity.
Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription topical creams can help clear plaques by tempering localinflammationand gently loosening the scales.
Light or laser therapy may be tried, as well as biologics and/or other medications.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealand and © Waikato Hospitalwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
There is little scaling, but the affected skin appears thick, red, and irritated.
At first glance, it can be easy to mistake multiple lesions for any number of other skin conditions.
Because there are no blood tests or imaging studies that can definitively diagnose psoriasis, misdiagnosis can sometimes occur.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ www.dermnetnz.org 2022
Treatments vary based on how severe the psoriasis is and previous treatment and self-care responses.
Many of thesedrugs and stress, especiallycan exacerbate flares, making symptoms worse and more difficult to control.
In severe cases,immunosuppressant drugsmay be recommended.
CDC / Susan Lindsley
This photo illustrates the characteristic plaques with their clearly defined borders and patchy scales.
However, with inverse psoriasis, the lesions tend to be smooth with few visible scales.
Scalp Psoriasis
Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealand and Waikato Hospitalwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Wikimedia Commons /Bobjgalindo
Scalp psoriasis may be mistaken for dandruffor seborrheic dermatitis, but it is typically a different color.
Scalp psoriasis scales are silvery, while seborrheic dermatitis is yellowish.
Scalp psoriasis can also be itchy, and it can cause your scalp to become dry and cracked.
CDC / Susan Lindsley
In addition to scaling and flaking, your scalp may also bleed, especially if you scratch it.
In severe cases, biologics and/or other medications may be recommended.
You may also notice a thickening of the nails and grooves or “pits” on their surfaces.
CDC / Dr. Gavin Hart
This can cause them to separate from the skin underneath.
They might even feel sore or tender to the touch.
Nail psoriasis can affect your fingernails and/or your toenails.
DermNet NZwww.dermnetnz.org/CC BY-NC-ND
Treatments include prescription creams containing steroids, calcipotriol, and tazarotene (derived from vitamin A).
Laser treatment and steroid injections may be tried.
In severe cases, biologics and/or other medications may be recommended.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
It is even possible for psoriasis to develop on old scar tissues, includingtattoosand surgical scars.
Guttate psoriasis is often triggered by a bacterial or viral infection.
This is especially true with streptococcal infections likestrep throatand viral infections likechickenpoxandmeasles.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Adults under 30 are also vulnerable.
If a recent bacterial infection is involved, antibiotics may be given.
OTC or prescription creams containing steroids, calcipotriol, and tazarotene may be recommended.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
More severe cases are managed with biologics and/or other medications.
Light or laser therapy may be suggested.
Mild Guttate Psoriasis
This photo illustrates a mild form of guttate psoriasis.
The onset of symptoms is often rapid with multiple lesions erupting on the trunk and extremities.
OTC or prescription creams containing steroids, calcipotriol, and tazarotene may be recommended.
Mild cases can be treated at home.
Severe Guttate Psoriasis
This image depicts a severe case of guttate psoriasis.
Some people may never experience another episode; others may develop chronic plaque psoriasis.
In severe cases, biologics and/or other medications and light or laser therapy may be suggested.
Inverse psoriasis usually looks red and shiny.
The lesions aren’t typically raised and they can be very sore and irritated.
Powders may be added to keep skin dry as it heals.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Like a burn, this uncommon bang out of psoriasis can cause serious complications and requires immediate medical care.
Other symptoms include:
An erythrodermic psoriasis flare is a medical emergency.
Seek immediate medical care if you suspect this condition.
Treating erythrodermic psoriasis first involves getting body temperature and fluid balance back to normal.
Depending on the severity of symptoms, hospitalization for treatment may be necessary.
IV antibiotics, biologics, immunosuppressive agents, and topical steroids may be recommended to treat this condition.
Pustular Psoriasis
Reproduced with permission from A DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
In serious cases, these blisters may cover most of the body.
When this happens, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
This key in is known as palmoplantar pustulosis.
Von Zumbuschpsoriasisis the most serious bang out of pustular psoriasis.
People with this bang out will experience pustules over a large part of the body.
People exhibiting the symptoms of Von Zumbusch psoriasis need immediate medical care.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
It can also help you distinguish between psoriasis and other skin conditions.
The two most common types of psoriasis are plaque psoriasis and guttate psoriasis.
If you think you might have symptoms of psoriasis, see your healthcare provider.
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