Most types of psoriasis go through weekly or monthly cycles, then subside for a while or even going into complete remission. However, the disease eventually comes back.

Several types of psoriasis exist. These are the most common and widespread:
 
Plaque psoriasis

The most common form, plaque psoriasis causes dry, red skin lesions (plaques) covered with silvery scales. The patches start off in small areas, about one-eighth of an inch in diameter. They usually appear symmetrically (in the same areas on opposite sides of the body).

The patches gradually enlarge and develop thick, dry plaque. If the plaque is scratched or scraped, bleeding spots the sizes of pinheads appear underneath. Some patches may become ring shaped (annular), with a clear center and scaly raised borders that may be wavy and snake-like.

In some cases, the patches may join together to form larger areas becoming very large and cover wide areas of the back or chest (known as geographic psoriasis plaques because they resemble maps).

Location of Plaque Psoriasis:

Patches most often occur on the elbows, knees, and the lower back. About 50% of patients develop psoriasis on the scalp, many have only a few patches in this location. In some cases, however, psoriasis can cover the scalp with thick plaques that may extend down from the hairline to the forehead.

Patches also can appear on the palms and soles, in the genital areas of both men and women, above the pelvic bone, and on the thighs and calves.

In children, plaque psoriasis is most likely to start in the scalp and spread to other parts of the body. Unlike in adults, it also may occur on the face and ears.
    

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is characterized by stiff, tender, and inflamed joints. PsA is more serious than the more common plaque psoriasis. About 80% of
Psoriatic arthritis patients have psoriasis in the nails, which tend to occur with arthritis at the same time. It is not defined yet whether psoriatic arthritis is a unique disease or a variation of psoriasis, though practice shows that often they are both caused by the same immune system problem.

Location of Joint Pain Psoriatic Arthritis.

There are several forms by location and severity of the affected joints:

Symmetric PsA: Symmetric arthritis occurs in the same location on both sides of the body. It affects multiple pairs of joints, and the condition will usually progress.

Asymmetric PsA: Asymmetric PsA is characterized by periodic joint pain and redness, usually in only one to three joints, often in the knee, hip, ankle, wrist, one or more fingers. Pain does not occur in symmetric locations.

Distal Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP): DIP involves the joints of the fingers and toes closest to the nail, and occurs in about 5% of PsA cases.

PsA in the Spine: Inflammation in the spinal column (spondylitis) is the primary symptom in about 5% of PsA cases. When it affects the spine, psoriatic arthritis most frequently targets the sacrum (the lowest part of the spine). Movement is difficult.

Arthritis Mutilans: This is a severe, deforming and progressive arthritis that affects less than 5% of PsA cases. It principally affects the small joints of the hands and feet, but it can also be found in the neck and lower back. Arthritic and skin flares and remissions tend to coincide.
 
Nail psoriasis

Affecting fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth and discoloration. Psoriatic nails may become loose and separate from the nail bed (onycholysis). Severe cases of this form of psoriasis may cause the nails to crumble.

 

Scalp psoriasis

Psoriasis on the scalp appears as red, itchy areas with silvery-white scales. Flakes of dead skin in your hair are noticeable on your shoulders, especially after scratching the scalp.

 

Guttate psoriasis

Primarily affects people under 30 and is usually triggered by a bacterial infection like strep throat. Evidenced by small, water-drop-shaped sores on your trunk, arms, legs and scalp. The sores are covered by a fine scale and aren't as thick as typical plaques are. You may have a single outbreak, though ongoing respiratory infections often cause relapses.

 
Pustular psoriasis

This rare and severe form of psoriasis can occur in widespread patches or in smaller areas on your hands, feet or fingertips. It generally develops quickly, with pus-filled blisters appearing just hours after your skin becomes red and tender. The blisters become dry within 24-48 hours but may reappear every few days or weeks. Widespread (or generalized pustular psoriasis) can also cause fever, chills, severe itching, weight loss and fatigue.

 
Inverse psoriasis

Mainly affecting the skin in the armpits, groin, under the breasts and around the genitals, inverse psoriasis causes smooth patches of red, inflamed skin. Overweight people suffer more because of friction and sweating.

 

Erythrodermic psoriasis

The least common type of psoriasis. It can cover the entire body with a red, peeling rash that can itch or burn intensely. Erythrodermic psoriasis often is being triggered by severe sunburn, by corticosteroids and other medications, or by another type of psoriasis which is either not diagnosed or properly controlled.

Read more about psoriasis related issues in our Psoriasis Relief Handbook.