Psoriasis—Types, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition affecting nearly 7.5 million people in the United States.1 Symptoms include thick patches of red, scaly skin, often leading to cracking and bleeding. Although psoriasis affects all age groups, it’s most commonly seen in adults ages 45 to 64.1 Types of psoriasis include plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, inverse psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, nail psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, and erythrodermic psoriasis.

Psoriasis Symptoms

Signs and symptoms vary based on the type of psoriasis and the individual:2

Plaque psoriasis (the most common)

  • Rash appears as dry, itchy, raised skin patches (plaques) covered with scales

  • There may be a few plaques or many

  • Plaques typically appear on the elbows, knees, lower back, and/or scalp

  • Plaque color varies based on skin color

  • Healing may bring temporary skin color change (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation)

Psoriatic arthritis

  • Symptoms appear as joint pain, stiffness, and/or swelling

  • These symptoms may flare and subside

  • Stiffness is typically in the morning

Inverse psoriasis

  • Primarily affects the skin folds of the groin, buttocks, and breasts

  • Rash appears as smooth patches of inflamed skin, worsening with friction and sweating

  • May be triggered by fungal infections

Guttate psoriasis

  • Primarily affects young adults and children

  • Usually triggered by a bacterial infection like strep throat

  • Rash appears as small, drop-shaped, scaling spots on the trunk, arms and/or legs

Nail psoriasis (fingernails and toenails)

  • Symptoms appear as pitting (tiny dents in nails), abnormal nail growth, and/or discoloration of nail(s)

  • Nails can also loosen and separate from the nail bed (onycholysis)

Pustular psoriasis (rare)

  • Appears as clearly defined pus-filled blisters

  • Can occur widespread on the body or in smaller areas on the palms or soles

Erythrodermic psoriasis (the least common type)

  • Appears as a peeling rash that can itch or burn intensely

  • Can cover the entire body

  • Can be short-lived (acute) or long-term (chronic)

Treatment Options

While treatment for psoriasis depends on the type and severity of the patient’s case, the goal should always be to find a treatment that works best with the fewest side effects. Treatment for mild symptoms may include ointments, creams, and ultraviolet light therapy. For more severe cases, biologic injections of IG may be needed.

How BioMatrix Supports Psoriasis Patients

By collaborating with the patient and physician, BioMatrix can help reduce moderate to severe psoriasis symptoms and flare ups with the fewest side effects possible. With a full range of treatment options, our pharmacists and support staff help patients stay on track while monitoring progress and side effects. 

Learn more about how we help patients achieve clear skin.

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