How real people are affected by different types of psoriasis, from guttate to pustular
There are several different types of psoriasis, including plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, and erythrodermic psoriasis.
While the way psoriasis presents can be different for each type, there are some commonalities. These include:
Thick patches of red, scaly skin that can itch or burn
Dry, cracked skin that itches or bleeds
Thick, ridged, pitted nails
In addition, some people have a related condition called psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis affects people who typically already have psoriasis. It affects the joints and places where tendons and ligaments attach to bone, causing pain and swelling.
The following posts represent a sample of Inspire members’ experiences of being diagnosed with different types of psoriasis, and how these different types present on the body. This content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. As always, consult with your doctor before trying any new treatments or medications.
To access more psoriasis treatment discussions, join the Inspire Psoriasis Community.
Guttate psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis often appears in children or young adults. It looks like small, red dots, usually on the torso or limbs. According to the National Institutes of Health, outbreaks are often triggered by an upper respiratory infection like strep throat.
“My husband has just been diagnosed with Guttate Psoriasis. It covers his body scalp to the bottom of his feet. He is itchy and sore and he is mentally suffering from how he looks to other people, not to mention himself. The doctor thinks he might have had strep and not realized it so they are putting him on an antibiotic and gave him some cream.” View post
“I was first diagnosed with guttate psoriasis my senior year in high school. After light therapy and starting injections, I went into remission. BUT, I am now 21, and a junior in college, and every year I have had my psoriasis come back and last a least a few months at a time. The dermatologist here mostly prescribes topical treatments. Recently I got strep and unfortunately, my psoriasis flared up big time, and luckily it seems to mostly be gone from my chest and mid stomach, however, it is persistent on my arms, scalp, neck, and legs.” View post
“My journey started last April, 2021, after developing a throat infection (strep is my assumption after high anti-strep titers test). I’ve been on a low carb diet about 7 months prior to this ordeal, and have been working out consistently. Simply put, I seem to be at my healthiest state when I got hit with it. After a month, I developed small red bumps. I suspected it to be guttate after reading a bunch of stuff, and a biopsy confirmed this.” View post
Plaque psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. It looks like raised, red patches of skin covered by silvery scales. Patches usually appear on the scalp, trunk, and limbs.
“I was born in 1951 and my psoriasis became noticeable in the mid 90s after I had a modest cardiac incident and started on new blood pressure and cholesterol meds.” View post
“I have fairly severe plaque psoriasis on my scalp, where it kind of looks like ringworm on my forehead if it goes untreated. On my hands, my nails are pitted and some are downright orangey yellow. In the folds of the skin around my groin, are lesions that I wake up in the middle of the night scratching-until I am awake enough to stop.” View post
“My 7 yr old daughter has had mild to non-existent psoriasis but this winter has been especially bad. Her front and back looks like she was sunburned and she is now getting small raised bumps on her hand and legs.” View post
Pustular psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis is common on the hands and feet. Pus-filled bumps appear surrounded by red skin. This type of psoriasis can often be triggered by medications, infections, stress, and chemicals.
“My daughter recently moved in with me for uncontrolled psoriasis. I’m convinced she has generalized pustular psoriasis as opposed to plaque psoriasis as diagnosed by her dermatologist. Flares start with redness, blisters which join and begin weeping. The severity of her outbreaks leave her bed bound affecting her feet, groin, ears and scalp.” View post
“I've had a pretty minor case of plaque psoriasis for the majority of my life. Earlier this year I had my first battle with guttate, which was horrible. Now, over the past month or 2 I've developed pustular psoriasis, mainly behind my ears and a few spots on my face and forehead. They are pretty painful bumps with surrounding redness and some of them form a little whitehead. They pop up relatively fast and they take weeks to go away, but then more are popping up.” View post
“My dad developed a severe case of pustular psoriasis all over his body after immunotherapy and surgery for lung cancer…He previously suffered from minor plaque psoriasis for 20 years.” View post
Inverse psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis looks like smooth, red patches in folds of the skin. Rubbing and sweating can make this type of psoriasis worse.
“I’m a 57 year-old male and I’ve just been diagnosed with inverse psoriasis in the perianal region after many years of irritation around this area. This along with Strep throat infection was found.” View post
“My teen daughter was diagnosed with inverse psoriasis under her arms; she gets large pink patches but without scaling. They're fairly uniform in color.” View post
“I have not been diagnosed with inverse psoriasis but after years of suffering with no help, breakouts popping up in new areas- all skin folds and creases- and doing my own research I thought for sure I have inverse psoriasis. I HAVE been diagnosed with psoriasis on my scalp. But three dermatologists have looked at me, one even did a biopsy (underarm), and determined the breakouts on my underarms, groin, butt crack, anus, corners of my eyes and mouth are all allergic reactions. I’m not fully convinced…” View post
Erythrodermic psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis is rare but severe. Red, scaly skin will cover most of the body. This type of psoriasis can be triggered by sunburn or certain medications. This often develops when a person is already managing psoriasis that is not controlled. It can be very serious.
“I got psoriasis first time about 20 years ago a little patch on my shin. Then slowly spread to knees and elbows. I have been with many dermatologists on and off. Some gave me ointments for plaques, some prescribed (vitamin A?) capsules, Some sent me for lights therapy but nothing worked for long time. About 10 years ago, I read online and started Aloe Vera Juice, Flex Oil and Salmon fish oil and controlled my diet to vegetables only with daily exercise and Psoriasis went away. I did not continue but when I got well I stopped. When I got married about 8 years ago, my wife did not know what the psoriasis was, and what the healthy diet was, so whatever she cooked I ate. Two weeks ago, Psoriasis flared to my whole body including armpits, around neck, with ankle swollen; now I know it is Erythrodermic Psoriasis.” View post
“My 17 year old daughter was diagnosed with severe psoriasis at 4 years old, and at that time had an erythrodermic flare which led to a stay in the ICU. She has been on and off [Medication] since then and is now 17 years old and in another erythrodermic flare. We have been in the ER twice in two weeks. Her skin is extremely painful, she has trouble regulating her body temp due to the amount of affected skin. Wearing clothes is painful at this point and I feel helpless.” View post
To access more psoriasis discussions, join the Inspire Psoriasis Community.
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Disclaimer
Member comments have been lightly edited for length and clarity. This content is for general informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of any organization or individual. The content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
