Psoriasis can appear in many different forms with distinctive characteristics. Generally, most people develop only one kind of psoriasis at a time. Usually one form of psoriasis will heal, and then another type of psoriasis will develop. It appears in response to a trigger, such as injury to the skin, stress or medications. There are five types of psoriasis: Plaque, Guttate, Inverse, Pustular and Erythrodermic.

Plaque

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of this disease. Around 80% of people with this condition have this sort. The characteristics are inflamed, raised red lesions, which are covered with a white silvery scale. It is commonly located on the lower back, scalp, knees or elbows.

Guttate

Guttate psoriasis often begins in young adulthood or childhood. Guttate lesions appear as red, small, individual spots and bumps on the skin. They often form on the limbs and trunk, and are generally not as thick as plaque lesions. There are many conditions that can cause an attack, such as injury to the skin, stress, tonsillitis and streptococcal throat infections. Certain drugs that are administered, including beta-blockers and antimalarials, are also known to cause an outbreak.

Inverse

Inverse psoriasis is often located under the breasts, armpits and around folded skin in the buttocks or genitals. This type shows as deep red lesions, which are shiny and smooth. Psoriasis can become irritated due to the locations, which are usually in tender areas. It is often more bothersome in people who have deep skin folds or are overweight.

Pustular 

Pustular psoriasis is most likely present in adults. It appears as white blisters that are filled with noninfectious pus (which consists of white blood cells), that are encircled by red skin. It starts as skin reddening, followed by the formation of scaling and pustules. There are three pustular psoriasis types: Von Zumbusch, Palmoplantar pustulosis, and Acropustulosis. It may only form on smaller areas on the body, like the feet and hands, or it can cover the entire body. Topical steroids, systemic medication withdrawal, stress, infections, systemic steroids, pregnancy, UV light overexposure or irritating topical applications can be the triggers.

Erythrodermic

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a particularly inflammatory sort, which can affect the entire body surface. It sometimes occurs with Von Zumbusch psoriasis. This disease causes the skin to shed off the scales in sheets, as opposed to small flakes, and appears as a widespread, periodic fiery red rash. Along with the shedding and reddening, the skin is usually accompanied with fluctuating body temperatures, heart rate increase, pain and severe itching. Anyone who experiences these symptoms is encouraged to see a physician immediately, as it can cause fluid loss and protein deficiencies that often lead to a serious illness. This disease can also activate pneumonia, congestive heart failure and infections. In cases of severe Erythodermic psoriasis, people sometimes require hospitalization. The triggers are caused by an allergic reaction to certain drugs that result in the Koebner response; tar or coal products, antimalarial drugs, lithium-type medications, infections and severe sunburns.