Types of Psoriasis: Plaque, Guttate, and More

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that speeds up skin cell production, leading to red, inflamed, and scaly patches. While many people think of psoriasis as just one condition, there are actually several types, each with its own symptoms and triggers.

If you're living with psoriasis, knowing which type you have can help you manage flare-ups more effectively. This guide breaks down the main types of psoriasis in simple, easy-to-understand terms, so you can take control of your condition with confidence.

1. Plaque Psoriasis (Psoriasis Vulgaris) – The Most Common Type

What It Looks Like:
✔ Thick, raised, red patches with silvery-white scales
✔ Can be itchy, painful, or cracked
✔ Often appears on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back

Who Gets It?
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type, affecting about 80-90% of people with psoriasis.

What Triggers It?

• Stress
• Cold weather
• Skin injuries (cuts, scrapes, sunburns)
• Certain medications (like beta-blockers or lithium)

How Is It Treated?
✔ Topical treatments (steroid creams, vitamin D analogs, coal tar, and salicylic acid)
✔ Phototherapy (light therapy) to slow skin cell growth
✔ Systemic medications for severe cases (pills or injections)
✔ Nopsor Treatment: A steroid-free natural treatment with coal tar and salicylic acid, designed for nightly application to help reduce scaling and inflammation. Learn more at www.nopsor-usa.com.

2. Guttate Psoriasis – The “Drop-Like” Psoriasis

What It Looks Like:
✔ Small, red, drop-shaped spots scattered across the skin
✔ Often appears on the torso, arms, and legs
✔ Less thick and scaly compared to plaque psoriasis

Who Gets It?
Guttate psoriasis is more common in children and young adults, often appearing suddenly after an infection like strep throat.

What Triggers It?

• Bacterial infections (especially strep throat)
• Cold weather
• High stress levels
• Skin injuries (cuts, burns, or insect bites)

How Is It Treated?
✔ Antibiotics if a strep infection is the trigger
✔ Moisturizers and mild topical treatments
✔ Phototherapy for widespread cases
✔ Systemic medications if it becomes chronic

For many people, guttate psoriasis clears up within a few weeks or months, but it can sometimes return later in life as plaque psoriasis.

3. Inverse Psoriasis – The Hidden Psoriasis

What It Looks Like:
✔ Smooth, shiny, bright red patches
✔ Found in skin folds (under the breasts, armpits, groin, and buttocks)
✔ Does not have the thick scales seen in plaque psoriasis

Who Gets It?
Inverse psoriasis is more common in people who are overweight and those with deep skin folds.

What Triggers It?

• Sweating and friction in skin folds
• Yeast infections or fungal growth
• Obesity
• Tight clothing

How Is It Treated?
✔ Topical treatments like mild corticosteroids or antifungal creams
✔ Weight management to reduce friction in skin folds
✔ Loose clothing and moisture-absorbing powders to prevent irritation
✔ Phototherapy for severe cases

Inverse psoriasis can be stubborn and uncomfortable, but managing moisture and friction in affected areas can help reduce symptoms.

4. Pustular Psoriasis – The Blistering Psoriasis

What It Looks Like:
✔ White pustules (blisters filled with non-infectious pus) on red, inflamed skin
✔ Often appears on hands, feet, or all over the body
✔ Can cause flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, fatigue)

Who Gets It?
Pustular psoriasis is rare but can develop suddenly in adults. Some cases are localized (hands and feet), while others affect the whole body.

What Triggers It?

• Stopping steroid treatments too quickly
• Overexposure to sunlight
• Infections or stress
• Certain medications (like strong pain relievers or lithium)

How Is It Treated?
✔ Topical treatments (steroids, coal tar, and moisturizers) for mild cases
✔ Oral medications or biologics for severe cases
✔ Hospitalization may be needed in extreme cases

Pustular psoriasis can be serious, so seeking immediate medical attention is important if symptoms worsen.

5. Erythrodermic Psoriasis – The Most Severe Type

What It Looks Like:
✔ Widespread redness covering most of the body
✔ Severe peeling, burning, and itching
✔ Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, dehydration)

Who Gets It?
Erythrodermic psoriasis is extremely rare and life-threatening. It usually develops from untreated plaque psoriasis or from suddenly stopping strong psoriasis medications.

What Triggers It?

• Stopping psoriasis medications suddenly
• Severe sunburn
• Infections
• Extreme stress

How Is It Treated?
✔ Immediate medical care (often requires hospitalization)
✔ Oral medications or biologics to calm the immune system
✔ Moisturizers and pain relief treatments

This type of psoriasis requires emergency treatment to prevent complications.

Can You Have More Than One Type of Psoriasis?

Yes! Many people experience different types of psoriasis over their lifetime. For example:
✔ A person with plaque psoriasis may develop guttate psoriasis after an infection.
✔ Someone with mild psoriasis may suddenly get erythrodermic psoriasis if they stop treatment.

This is why regular check-ups with a dermatologist are important to keep symptoms under control.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Treatment

Psoriasis is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Knowing which type you have can help you find the right treatment and prevent flare-ups.

✔ Plaque Psoriasis – The most common, with thick, scaly patches
✔ Guttate Psoriasis – Small, drop-like spots, often after infections
✔ Inverse Psoriasis – Smooth, red patches in skin folds
✔ Pustular Psoriasis – Painful blisters filled with non-infectious pus
✔ Erythrodermic Psoriasis – A rare, severe type that requires urgent care

No matter which type you have, managing psoriasis is possible with the right care.

For natural, steroid-free psoriasis relief, explore Nopsor’s treatment, formulated with coal tar and salicylic acid to support psoriasis-prone skin. Learn more at www.nopsor-usa.com.

References:

• National Psoriasis Foundation - Locations & Types of Psoriasis
  This resource provides detailed information on various psoriasis types, including plaque, guttate, pustular, inverse, and erythrodermic psoriasis.
  https://www.psoriasis.org/locations-and-types​

• Mayo Clinic - Types of Psoriasis
  The Mayo Clinic offers comprehensive insights into different psoriasis types, their symptoms, and treatment options.
  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/in-depth/psoriasis-pictures/art-20546858​

• WebMD - Types of Psoriasis: Symptoms, Triggers, & Treatments
  WebMD discusses the various forms of psoriasis, including their symptoms, common triggers, and available treatments.
  https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/psoriasis-types​

• Healthline - 8 Types of Psoriasis: Photos, Symptoms, and More
  Healthline explores eight different types of psoriasis, providing descriptions, symptoms, and visual aids for better understanding.
  https://www.healthline.com/health/photos-types-psoriasis