What is Psoriasis?
Normally, skin cells mature and shed over a period of about a month. In people with psoriasis, this process speeds up dramatically, often taking only a few days. This rapid turnover leads to a buildup of cells on the skin’s surface.
This buildup typically forms thick, red patches covered with silvery scales, known as plaques. These plaques can be itchy, painful, and sometimes crack and bleed.
Psoriasis is considered an autoimmune condition because it involves the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy skin cells, triggering the rapid cell growth.
Common Types of Psoriasis
While there are several types, here are the most common:
- Plaque Psoriasis (Psoriasis Vulgaris): The most common type, accounting for about 80-90% of cases. It causes the characteristic silvery-scaled, red plaques mentioned above.
- Erythrodermic Psoriasis: A rare, severe form that covers nearly the entire body with a peeling, red rash. It can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
- Guttate Psoriasis: Appears as small, dot-like lesions. It often starts in childhood or young adulthood and can be triggered by a strep throat infection.
- Inverse Psoriasis (Flexural Psoriasis): Causes smooth, red patches that are often painful and appear in skin folds (like the armpits, groin, or under the breasts).
- Pustular Psoriasis: Characterized by widespread or localized white pustules (blisters of non-infectious pus) surrounded by red skin.