Psoriasis Lesions

How Do Psoriasis Lesions Appear?

Psoriasis lesions can look different from person to person, ranging from small spots to larger, thicker patches. Here’s a breakdown of some common types:

  1. Guttate Psoriasis: Small, red spots that may cover large areas of skin, often appearing suddenly after infections like strep throat.
  2. Plaque Psoriasis: The most common type, with lesions that range from coin-sized spots to larger patches, often on elbows, knees, and lower back. 
  3. Psoriasis Vulgaris (Common Psoriasis): Another term for plaque psoriasis, affecting about 90% of psoriasis patients.
  4. Pustular Psoriasis: Characterized by small, fluid-filled blisters (pustules) that can appear on inflamed areas of the skin.
  5. Palmoplantar Psoriasis: Affects the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, with thick, deep-rooted scales that may crack.
  6. Erythrodermic Psoriasis: An intense and widespread redness of the skin, which can be painful and require medical attention.

Where Does Psoriasis Appear?

  • Common Areas: Lower back, elbows, knees, scalp, and nails.
  • Less Common Areas: Mucous membranes (such as reproductive organs), flexible regions (armpits, groin), and sometimes the sacral area (lower spine).

    How Psoriasis Lesions Feel and Change

    • Texture: Lesions are often scaly, hardened, and red.
    • Feeling: They can be painful when dry or cracked and may cause some itching.
    • Life Cycle: Psoriasis lesions can grow and recede over time, with periods of calm and flare-ups. This cycle may last weeks, months, or even years.

      Triggers and Factors

      Some people carry the genetic predisposition for psoriasis but may never show symptoms unless triggered by factors like:

      • Infections: Viral infections, bronchitis, tonsillitis, or fevers.
      • Hormones: Changes during puberty, menopause, or other hormonal shifts.
      • Stress: Emotional stress can increase the frequency and severity of psoriasis symptoms.
      • Medications: Certain drugs, such as anti-malarial medications, lithium, and corticosteroids, may activate psoriasis symptoms in those with a genetic predisposition.

        By understanding these aspects of psoriasis, you can better recognize symptoms and identify possible triggers that may influence flare-ups.

        A Brief History of Psoriasis

        Psoriasis has been documented for thousands of years. Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates (460-377 BC) described scaly, dry skin conditions under the name “lopoi” (Greek for “scales”). For many years, psoriasis was even mistaken for leprosy.
        It wasn’t until 1809 that Dr. Robert Willan gave an accurate description of psoriasis, helping to finally distinguish it from other skin diseases.