Psoriasis is characterised by varied signs and symptoms, differing from patient to patient. Most cases of psoriasis see symptoms in a cyclic manner- problems occur for a few weeks or months, and then ease or disappear for a while.
The signs and symptoms experienced by patients also depend on the type of psoriasis they are suffering from. An individual usually has just one form of psoriasis at a time but, it is possible to have two forms occurring simultaneously.
Based on the type, signs and symptoms of psoriasis are as following:
Plaque Psoriasis
It is characterised by raised, inflamed, red plaques which are covered by a silver-white scale.
Typical body parts that are infected by plaque psoriasis are elbows, scalp, knees and lower back. However, the condition may occur on any body part.
Plaques formed in this condition are usually itchy, sore or both. The skin around the joints may also crack and bleed if the condition is severe.
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Nail Psoriasis
This kind is marked by yellowish-red, discoloured nails. It is often referred to as an oil drop or salmon patch because it looks like a drop of oil under the nail plate.
Nail matrix or pits in the nails may also occur in this form of psoriasis. Pitting occurs when there is a loss of cells from the surface of the nail.
The inflammation of nail cells causes side-to-side lines to appear on nails, often referred to as Beau lines by health care professionals.
White areas may also develop on the nail plate- also called midmatrix disease.
The nails of the patient may loosen and crumble because of weakening. At least half of all patients with psoriatic arthritis experiences nail changes.
Scalp Psoriasis
As the name suggests, this kind of psoriasis affects the person’s scalp- whole, parts or just back of the scalp.
Red, extremely itchy patches of skin appear on the patient’s scalp. The condition causes hair loss in severe cases.
Inverse Psoriasis
This form of the skin disease is more common among obese individuals. It is characterised by inflamed, bright red, smooth patches of skin.
The patches formed can be very itchy and painful. Rubbing of the skin and sweating can aggravate the symptoms.
Armpits, groin, skin between the buttocks and skin under the breasts are the most commonly affected areas by inverse psoriasis.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
This is the rarest kind of psoriasis. In this form, the whole body suffers fiery red rashes, marked by intense itching and burning sensation.
When a person suffers from erythrodermic psoriasis, his body becomes more susceptible to losing proteins and fluid, leading to dehydration and malnutrition as well as heart failure.
The chances of hypothermia also increase- where the patient’s body temperature falls to 35C (95 F) or below.
Mild cases of psoriasis may be a nuisance; more-severe cases can be painful, disfiguring and disabling. Even though there is no cure, many treatments exist to ease the symptoms.
Read more articles on Psoriasis.