The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) identifies five types of skin disease, each of which carries a social and emotional burden due to its visible symptoms.
Plaque psoriasis
According to the FNP, this is the most common type of psoriasis, characterized by dry, itchy, raised patches of skin covered in scales. These patches can be more or less numerous and usually appear on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp. The color of the patches depends on skin tone and may heal with temporary discoloration, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin tones. Any type of irregularity should be sought medical attention.
Main features
Texture: Thick and scaly
Color: Red or pink with a silvery coating
Itch factor: Moderate to severe
Guttate psoriasis
Mostly seen in children and young adults, guttate psoriasis often develops after a bacterial infection such as strep throat. This type of psoriasis appears as small, teardrop-shaped lesions on the torso, arms, or legs. Unlike plaque psoriasis, guttate patches are finer and less scaly.
Main feature
