Psoriasis is a disease whose main symptom is gray or silvery flaky patches on the skin which are red and inflamed underneath. Commonly affected areas include the scalp, elbows, knees, navel, palms, ears and groin. Psoriasis is autoimmune in origin, and is not contagious.
Types of psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis
Skin lesions are red at the base and covered by silvery scales.
Guttate psoriasis
Small, drop-shaped lesions appear on the trunk, limbs, and scalp. Guttate psoriasis is most often triggered by upper respiratory infections (for example, a sore throat caused by streptococcal bacteria).
Pustular psoriasis
Blisters of noninfectious pus appear on the skin. Attacks of pustular psoriasis may be triggered by medications, infections, stress, or exposure to certain chemicals.
Inverse psoriasis
Smooth, red patches occur in the folds of the skin near the genitals, under the breasts, or in the armpits. The symptoms may be worsened by friction, sweating and/or the presence of yeast or fungal infections.
Erythrodermic psoriasis
Widespread reddening and exfoliation of the skin that may form the initial outbreak of psoriasis, but is more often the result of exacerbation of unstable plaque psoriasis, particularly under the triggering effect of: abrupt withdrawal of systemic treatment, use of systemic steroids or excessive use of high potency topical steroids corticosteroids (cortisone) or in a koebner response to a widespread allergic reaction or severe sunburn. This form of psoriasis can be genuinely dangerous, since the extreme inflammation and exfoliation interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature and perform other barrier functions.
Psoriatic arthritis
Joint inflammation that produces symptoms of arthritis in patients who have or will develop psoriasis.
Common Skin Disorders
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