Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a non-contagious autoimmune disease that causes the skin to become red, itchy, and scaly. Psoriasis can occur at any age, but it usually begins in young adulthood.

In this article, we will discuss the causes and types of psoriasis to help you understand this condition better.

What Causes Psoriasis?

The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown. However, researchers believe that it is a combination of genetic and environmental factors that trigger the immune system to malfunction.

In people with psoriasis, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing the skin to become inflamed and grow at an accelerated rate.

Psoriasis is not contagious, and it cannot be spread from person to person. Although it is not a fungal or bacterial infection, certain triggers can cause psoriasis to flare up.

These triggers can include stress, infections, alcohol, smoking, and certain medications. Keeping the skin moisturized and avoiding irritants can help minimize the severity of psoriasis symptoms.

Types of Psoriasis

There are several types of psoriasis, each with unique symptoms and characteristics. The most common types of psoriasis include:.

Plaque Psoriasis

Also known as psoriasis vulgaris, plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. It appears as thick, red, scaly patches on the skin.

These patches can be itchy, painful, and appear in different areas of the body, such as the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.

Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that appears as small, red, scaly spots on the skin. It is more common in children and young adults and can be triggered by bacterial infections or strep throat.

Inverse Psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis appears as smooth, red, and shiny patches on the skin. It usually occurs in skin folds, such as the armpits, groin, and under the breasts. Unlike other types of psoriasis, inverse psoriasis does not have scales.

Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis is a rare type of psoriasis that appears as pus-filled blisters on the skin. These blisters can be painful, itchy, and appear in clusters on the hands and feet.

Pustular psoriasis can be triggered by certain medications, infections, and stress.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a severe type of psoriasis that covers the entire body with red, inflamed skin. It can cause intense itching, burning, and peeling of the skin. Erythrodermic psoriasis is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

Palmoplantar Psoriasis

Palmoplantar psoriasis appears as red, scaly patches on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It can be painful, and the skin can crack and bleed. Palmoplantar psoriasis can affect the nails and cause them to become thick and discolored.

Nail Psoriasis

Nail psoriasis affects the nails, causing them to become thick, discolored, and pitted. It can make it difficult to perform daily activities such as buttoning clothes or typing on a computer.

Nail psoriasis can be a sign of psoriatic arthritis, a condition that affects the joints in people with psoriasis.

Conclusion

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

Although the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, researchers believe that it is a combination of genetic and environmental factors that trigger the immune system to malfunction. There are several types of psoriasis, each with unique symptoms and characteristics. If you suspect you have psoriasis, it is important to seek treatment from a dermatologist or healthcare provider to help manage your symptoms.