Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin condition. Psoriasis manifests itchy, scaly inflamed skin, which can take the form of many types of psoriasis. Individuals with psoriasis experience skin conditions such as itching, cracking, stinging, burning, or bleeding. These symptoms are usually worse in the winter months due to the lack of sunlight and low indoor humidity. The skin is most likely to crack at the joints where the body bends or in areas where the individual fails to refrain from scratching. Scratching can also lead to bleeding and infection, which is why it should be avoided at all costs. Psoriasis has also been known to affect fingernails and toe nails by causing pits or dents in them. There is also the possibility that the soft tissue inside the mouth and genitalia can be affected.
Usually, what happens is new skin cells take about a month or so to move from the deepest skin layer where they're produced, to the surface where they die and flake off. With psoriasis, the entire skin cell life cycle takes only days leading to an accumulation on the skin surface causing irritation, itching and redness.
Red inflamed skin lesions topped with silvery white scales would be an indication of Plaque Psoriasis. Plaque-type psoriasis is the most common form of the disease and is commonly referred to as psoriasis vulgaris. Plague psoriasis can assume many different appearances based on where it is located, the activity of the disease, and the treatment being administered. It is most commonly found on the elbows, knees, scalp, sacrum, umbilicus, intergluteal cleft, and genitalia.
Small, drop-shaped red patches or lesions characterize Guttate Psoriasis. Guttate psoriasis is most common in children and young adults who have a prior history of upper respiratory infection, pharyngitis, or tonsillitis. The lesions are not as scaly as plaque-type psoriasis and are likely to be found on the trunk and involve the face.
Smooth inflamed lesions occurring in the folds of the skin define Inverse Psoriasis. Inverse psoriasis affects the skin in the areas of the armpits, under the breast, skin folds of the groin, buttocks, and genitals.
Intense redness and swelling, exfoliation of dead skin, and pain appearing as scaly red skin over all the body would lead to a diagnosis of Erythrodermic Psoriasis. Erythrodermic psoriasis is the least common form of psoriasis. Erythrodermic psoriasis usually develops during the course of chronic psoriasis, however in some cases it may be the initial type of psoriasis even in children. Individuals with this type of psoriasis may experience chills, low-grade fever, and may be rather uncomfortable.
A large red area containing pustules, which appear as blister-like, lesions of non-infectious fluid, and intense scaling characterize Pustular Psoriasis. Individuals with pustular psoriasis are often among the most seriously ill and may have to be hospitalized.