What Does Skin Psoriasis Look Like?

There are different types of psoriasis. Most people have a type called plaque psoriasis but it is possible to have more than one type of psoriasis. What you see on your skin varies with the type of psoriasis you have and where it appears on your body.

The following images will give you an idea of what the different types of psoriasis look like:

Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. It causes dry, raised skin patches covered with scales. They usually appear on the scalp, elbows, lower back, and knees.

 

Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis appears as small red spots that are less thick compared to plaque psoriasis. In darker skin tones, these spots may look brown or violet. They often appear on the torso and limbs, but can also manifest on your scalp and face.

 

Inverse Psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis mainly affects the skin folds of the breasts, groin, and buttocks. It causes smooth patches of inflamed skin that worsen with friction and sweating. Fungal infections may trigger this type of psoriasis.

 

Nail Psoriasis

Five out of 10 people with plaque psoriasis have nail psoriasis as well. This makes your nails look yellowish-red and may also become pitted, crumbled, or grooved with lines.

 

Scalp Psoriasis 

Scalp psoriasis can affect the entire scalp or appear in patches. It can also reach the hairline, behind or inside the ears, and the upper neck.

 

Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis is a rare type of psoriasis that causes pustules to appear on your skin.

 

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is another rare type of psoriasis that is extremely inflammatory and can affect most of the body's surface causing the skin to become bright red. It appears as a red, peeling rash that often burns or itches.

 

Treatment

Psoriasis treatments aim to remove scales and to stop the skin cells from growing rapidly. Options include topical therapy with creams and ointments, phototherapy, and oral or injected medications.

Your psoriasis management would depend on how severe your psoriasis is and how responsive it has been to previous therapies and self-care measures. You might need to try different drugs or a combination of treatments before you find an approach that works.