Types of Psoriasis
Psoriasis, for an unknown reason, has different manifestations and clinical presentations upon which psoriasis is divided into 6 main subtypes. These types are the following:
1) Psoriasis Vulgaris (Plaque Psoriasis)
It is the most common type of psoriasis as it is estimated to represent about 80% of patients with psoriasis. For such reason, its name was derived from “Vulgaris” (a Latin adjective that means common). Psoriasis Vulgaris manifest with the typical presentation of psoriasis, which is an acute eruption of pink, dry, oval plaques covered with silvery-white scales. These plaques may be itchy and tend to flare up in the winter due to skin dryness. Psoriasis Vulgaris may appear anywhere on the skin, yet it is more frequently seen over the knee, scalp, face, the extensor surfaces of the arm and leg.
Small pitting depressions and distinctive reddish-brown staining of the nail bed surface, which resembles an oil stain, are common nail signs associated with psoriasis Vulgaris. Nail pitting and ridging accompanied with psoriasis is believed to affect up to 40% of psoriatic patients. You may also notice an accumulation of keratotic material below the nails that may lead to nail partial separation from the underlying skin. Mucous membranes such as oral and nasal cavities are rarely affected by psoriasis Vulgaris.
