From Knees To Nails: It's Possible To Get More Than One Of the Common Types Of Psoriasis

Editor’s Note: This article is intended for information purposes only. It does not substitute a doctor. It is vital to always consult a medically trained professional for advice that suits your needs best.

Psoriasis is a skin disease, but it can also affect other parts of the body. Where it appears determines the type, or even types, of psoriasis and the specific treatment needed. That's why immediate medical attention is imperative.

What is psoriasis?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines psoriasis as a "chronic, noncommunicable, painful, disfiguring and disabling disease for which there is no cure and with great negative impact on patients’ quality of life (QoL)."

It adds that the disease "can occur at any age, and is most common in the age group 50–69." Additionally, the reported prevalence of psoriasis in countries ranges between 0.09%  and 11.4%, which makes it a serious global problem.

In the Philippines, the estimated prevalance of 2.4 percent is an "understatement," says the advocacy group Psoriasis Philippines (PsorPhil). The organization describes itself as duly registered at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and globally recognized with the aim of representing the "interests of the millions of Filipinos believed to be suffering in silence with psoriasis."

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) explains that the skin condition develops "when the body makes skin cells too quickly, causing skin cells to pile up and form visible patches or spots on the skin."

Psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be passed on through close contact. Experts all agree that the root cause of the disease is still unknown. But there are certain factors that serve as psoriasis cause or causes, namely:

• Genetic predisposition--meaning, it runs in the family
• Immune system--as there's a suggestion that it could be an autoimmune disease
• External and internal factors--including mild trauma or injury to skin, sunburn, infections, systemic drugs, and stress

Types of psoriasis

There are six main types of the psoriasis, according to PsorPhil, such as:

Plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type, which affects about 80 percent of people with psoriasis. It causes, according to Mayo Clinic, "dry, raised, red skin lesions or plaques," thus the name, with silvery scales as covering around the areas of elbows, knees, back, or head. 

Inverse psoriasis

The red lesions caused by inverse psoriasis are smooth, unlike the ones caused by the plaque variety. They oftentimes occur in skin folds, like the armpits, groin areas, buttocks, or under the breasts.

Guttate psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis is recognizable by small, reddish sores that are thinner compared to the thick patches in the plaque variety. The sores or pink spots commonly occur on the upper body, arms, and legs.

This type affects mostly children and young adults after being triggered by bacterial infection, like strep throat. 

Pustular psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis is charaterized by white pus blisters that can occur quickly just hours after the skin becomes red and tender. The blisters can also occur in widespread patches all over the body or in small areas, such as palms, fingertips, or soles of the feet.

Erythrodermic psoriasis

This is the severe, highly inflammatory type of psoriasis that covers the entire body with a red rash that peels off while causing an intense itch or burning sensation. Erythrodermic psoriasis is also the least common among other types.

Palmoplantar psoriasis

As the name suggests, palmoplantar psoriasis involves either the hand palms or the foot soles. It can cause "scaly plaques, general thickening of the skin and deep, painful cracks and dryness." As a result, walking or using the hands can be very painful to do.

Additionally, there are five types of psoriasis based on its location in the body. This is according to the National Psoriasis Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in the United States.

Genital Psoriasis

This type affects not only the skin in the genital area but also in the inner and upper thighs. It's said to be quite common, with up to two-thirds of those already afflicted with the disease have had genital psoriasis.

Scalp psoriasis

Over 60 percent of people afflicated with the disease have had scalp psoriasis. It usually affects the hairline, forehead, back of the neck, and the skin in and around the ears.

Facial psoriasis

This type of psoriasis that involves the face affects around one in three people already suffering from the disease. It attacks any part of the face, even around the eyebrows, upper forehead, and the skin between the nose and upper lip.

Hands, feet, and nails

This type refers to palmoplantar psoriasis, which affects between 12 and 16 percent of people living with the skin condition, while around 50 percent of them experience nail changes.

Skin folds

The affected areas, such as under the arms and breasts are often irritated by rubbing and sweating.

According to the AADA, it is possible to get more than one of the types of psoriasis. The disease can start, for instance, from skin and then spread to the nails, or other body parts, and vice-versa. They therefore recommend consulting your doctor to closely monitor your condition.

For psoriasis treatment, read here.