The Different Types of Psoriasis And Solutions For Them

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Psoriasis generally appears as patches of flaky, red skin throughout the body. Psoriasis can occur in many forms. While there is a lot of overlap in terms of symptoms and solutions, identifying the precise type of psoriasis a patient has helps doctors and clinicians determine the best course of action.  

Psoriasis is usually not harmful, but can be a nuisance and cause irritation, itchiness, and pain. However, rare forms of psoriasis – often caused by underlying health conditions – can be a medical emergency and require immediate solution.

Below, we’ll go over the different types of psoriasis and the solution options available.

Types of Psoriasis

Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body, from the elbows to the scalp to even places like the armpits. These different types of psoriasis vary in severity.

Common Types of Psoriasis

Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is by far the most common type of psoriasis. In fact, it accounts for an estimated 80 to 90% of cases.

Plaque psoriasis is what most people think of when they think of psoriasis. It manifests as thick, red patches of skin that can appear in places like the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp.

Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis is the second most common type, making up roughly 8% of cases. It is similar to plaque psoriasis, but the spots tend to be smaller and tear-drop shaped.

It appears in similar places to plaque psoriasis, but sometimes also develops on the scalp or face. Over time, guttate psoriasis can develop into plaque psoriasis.

Another unique feature of guttate psoriasis is that it often comes in response to certain triggers. Conditions like strep throat can cause guttate psoriasis, as can certain medications. Infection or skin injury can sometimes cause guttate psoriasis, as can factors like excessive stress.

Less Common Types of Psoriasis

Inverse Psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis appears between folds of your skin, often under the breasts or in armpits. It looks less scaly than other psoriasis and usually shows up as shiny, smooth red spots. This is why it’s frequently mistaken for a fungal infection, although most people with inverse psoriasis suffer from plaque or guttate psoriasis on other parts of the body.

While not dangerous, inverse psoriasis can be very painful due to constant skin-on-skin contact.

Pustular Psoriasis

One of the most severe forms of psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, develops quickly and is marked by white pustules all over the skin.

Pustular psoriasis sometimes occurs in only one area, like the hands or feet, but in severe cases, it can cover the entire body. If pustules form together, this can lead to scaling.

Pustular psoriasis can sometimes simply be irritating and unsightly, but in certain instances can cause flu-like symptoms like a fever, chills, and a rapid pulse. If you are experiencing symptoms of pustular psoriasis, you may need medication or medical therapies. Make an appointment with a doctor if the problem persists.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

While extremely rare, erythrodermic psoriasis is the most severe form of psoriasis. It is characterized by widespread red, scaly patches covering large parts of the body, often similar in appearance to burns. Erythrodermic psoriasis develops from a number of underlying conditions, including bad sunburn, infection, and alcoholism.  

Erythrodermic psoriasis is considered a medical emergency as it can be fatal. If you’re experiencing symptoms of erythrodermic psoriasis, do not attempt home remedies. Go to the emergency room immediately.

Solution Options

While there are many types of psoriasis, there’s a surprising amount of overlap between solution options. Topical solutions like ointments and creams and certain medications can be used successfully on a variety of types of psoriasis, as can natural oils and lotions.

However, once again, if you’re experiencing a more severe form of psoriasis – especially erythrodermic psoriasis – consult a medical professional before attempting a solution.

Topical Solution

Topical solutions are anything from medical creams to over-the-counter lotions and oils that help manage symptoms.

Topical steroids are frequently recommended and can be effective on all but the most severe forms of psoriasis. These are steroid medications applied directly to the skin, which can help manage symptoms like inflammation and irritation.  

While topical steroids are usually safe if you follow instructions, they can cause side effects like acne, changes of the skin color, or thinning of the skin. In rare cases, topical steroids make psoriasis worse.

Vitamin D creams also helps psoriasis. Vitamin D helps reduce the rate at which skin cells grow, which can stop the spread of psoriasis. Much like topical steroids, not everyone will respond well to vitamin D creams. They can cause dry skin, peeling skin, or general itchiness and irritation.

Delfina penetrates the skin’s outer layers to stimulate hydration from within, and many psoriasis patients have experienced a profound reduction in symptoms after using Delfina. Not only that, Delfina – thanks to its natural ingredients, and vegan formulation – has not been found to cause side effects. Read more about how Delfina works here and see before and after pictures here.

Medications

If your psoriasis does not respond to other solutions or becomes painful, your doctor may prescribe medications.

Biologics are a form of anti-inflammatory drugs used on a variety of skin conditions including psoriasis. While many people respond well to biologic therapies, some people experience side effects which can be mild (red, itchy skin) to severe (headaches, fevers, and low blood pressure).

Methotrexate is a self-injectable IV solution, often recommended for severe types of psoriasis. Methotrexate carries a black box warning, the most severe type of FDA warning, due to its potential to cause serious side effects like lung and liver problems. It should only be used under extreme circumstances and with a doctor’s supervision.

Light Therapy

Light therapy is an umbrella term that refers to a variety of solutions in which UVA or UVB light are used to improve symptoms of psoriasis. Light therapy can be administered in a variety of ways, from pills to lotions to lasers. Guttate psoriasis may respond particularly well to light therapy.

Light therapy requires multiple sessions to affect the skin and, like other solution options, there is a potential for side effects. Light therapy can cause mild side effects, like stinging and itching. There is some evidence that light therapy increases your risk of skin cancer.

The Bottom Line

While psoriasis symptoms vary, many solutions can be used on multiple types of psoriasis. Psoriasis is usually not serious, although it can be painful. However, if you notice severe symptoms – especially those consistent with erythrodermic psoriasis – consult a doctor right away.

Psoriasis can be difficult, and we know firsthand how important it is to find effective relief. Delfina Dry Skin Oil is the best solution option on the market in that it’s the least harmful and arguably the most effective.

If you have any questions about solutions for psoriasis, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Delfina team at any time!