Different psoriasis types may call for different treatments, it is important to know which kind you have.

There are several types of  including vulgaris, guttate, pustular, inverse and Etythrodermic.

Psoriasis Vulgaris

Psoriasis type vulgaris can be recognized by the presence of raised, red, scaly patches or “plaques”, usually on the elbows, knees, scalp, chest, nails, and lower back.

Psoriasis Guttate

Guttate often appears after someone suffers from strep throat a throat infection caused by streptococcus bacteria. It presents as small red dots of psoriasis that usually appear on the trunk, arms, and legs; the lesions may have some scale.

Guttate is fairly easy to differentiate from plaque psoriasis because the spots caused by the guttate type are much smaller.

Pustular

Psoriasis types pustular is extremely rare, and more severe. Localized pustular  can be quite painful, making it difficult to use your hands or walk normally.

Due to its location on the hands and feet, localized pustular may require the use of gloves or plastic wrapping during conventional treatment with topical creams.

Pustular may erupt as the first occurrence of psoriasis or it may evolve from plaque psoriasis It appears as small, white, fluid-filled blisters pustules surrounded by swollen, reddish skin and can cover the entire body and result in fever, fluid imbalances, and infection.

Inverse

Inverse Psoriasis also referred to as “flexural,” “genital,” or “skin-fold” psoriasis, inverse is uncommon and looks different from other forms because thick scales don’t develop. Inverse psoriasis can be found in the armpits, groin, under the breasts and in other flexion creases skin folds such as those around the genitals and buttocks.

Inverse is more frequent and severe in people who are overweight because it is in the skin folds where it is particularly prone to irritation from rubbing and sweating.

This form of psoriasis appears as smooth, dry areas of skin that are red and inflamed but do not have the scaling associated with plaque psoriasis the most common type of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune skin condition that is non-contagious and chronic. During the earlier times, medical practitioners believe that psoriasis is a variety of leprosy, mainly because of its scaly appearance. It is one of the most ancient human diseases known to mankind. Incidentally, psoriasis has been greatly misunderstood over the years. Scholars eventually paid much attention to this skin disorder, yet to this day – no cure was found.

Psoriasis manifests itself when the immune system sends out faulty signals that causes the growth cycles to speed up. It is reported that between 10 and 30 percent of people who have had psoriasis get a related form of arthritis. It is for this very reason that the skin disorder is immediately and properly treated.

Note: Psoriatic arthritis is the related form of arthritis. As the name suggests, psoriatic arthritis is the inflammation of the joints.

Psoriasis come in five types, each having unique signs and symptoms. The five types are plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic. Among these five, plaque psoriasis is the most common. Plaque appears as raised, red patches or lesions covered by a silvery-white buildup of dead skin cells called scale. Usually, the plaques are formed on the elbows and knees as well as the lower back and scalp. However, the plaques can also manifest themselves on any part of the body. About 80% of people who develop psoriasis have plaque psoriasis. The other 20% have any of the other types. Guttate psoriasis appears as small, red spots on the skin. Inverse psoriasis manifests itself as smooth, red lesions formed in skin folds. Pustular psoriasis, on the other hand, appears as white pustules surrounded by red skin, while erythrodermic psoriasis causes widespread redness with severe itching and pain.

People must be aware that anyone may have psoriasis. It can come about on random parts of the body. Regardless of the type, psoriasis causes discomfort to a person. Aside from the stubborn itch on the skin, it may also crack and bleed. Severe cases of psoriasis, which are manifested through excessive itching and discomfort, may cause a person to be up all night and the pain that one has to endure can make everyday ordinary tasks difficult. In addition to that, psoriasis is associated with other serious health problems such as heart disease, depression and diabetes, to name a few.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease. That means that it is a lifelong condition that people who have already developed them would often experience flares and remissions all throughout their life. Currently, psoriasis has no cure. There are, however, many different treatments that are available. There are varying treatment for the severity and type of psoriasis. The ones that do not cause too much discomfort may be treated at home while those who develop such severe psoriasis may require to be treated in the hospital or medical facility.

There is good news to those who are advocates of herbal skin care. Psoriasis can be treated naturally. The listed Psoriasis natural treatment below are studied by the medical community. Also, these natural options are reported effective by members of various psoriasis foundations:

1. Apple cider vinegar – It has been documented that, throughout history, many cultures have made use of different types of vinegar for medical purposes. Apple cider vinegar, for one, has been used for many years as a cleanser, disinfectant or soothing agent. According to some people who have had psoriasis, apple cider vinegar helps treat the skin disorder. The vinegar may be applied directly on the skin, added to the bath, mixed with a moisturizer or have their infected body parts soaked on it.

2. Capsaicin – Capsaicin is an ingredient contained in cayenne peppers. Some studies have shown that capsaicin is an effective way to treat psoriasis by reducing the redness, scaling and itching on the skin. Short-live burning sensation, however, is the only side effect.

3. Oats – Oat extracts have been used for centuries as a soothing agent for a number of skin conditions. Oat plant derivatives can be used as treatment for psoriasis as well as other dry and itchy skin conditions. People who have psoriasis may make their own oatmeal bath to get rid of the skin disorder.

4. Tea tree oil – Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties and was used in surgery and dentistry as early as the 1920’s. Today, like aloe vera, many products have tea tree oil as an active ingredient. Tea tree oil, according to some members of psoriasis foundation, is an effective way to treat psoriasis, especially those that form on the scalp.

Whatever the type and severity, psoriasis can affect a person’s quality of life. As already stated, psoriasis is a lifelong condition that poses physical and emotional challenges to an individual. The good news is, members of the medical community and psoriasis foundations are constantly looking for cure for this skin condition. There are now several therapies that have emerged, and it has been reported that more people are experiencing significant improvements to their condition.

Psoriasis vulgaris, also known as “plaque psoriasis,” is the most common form of psoriasis and affects 80% of people with the disease. It tends to be a relatively persistent or chronic pattern of psoriasis that can be improved with treatment but is difficult to clear completely with topical treatments alone. Environmental factors such as smoking, sun exposure, alcoholism, and HIV infection may affect how often the psoriasis occurs and how long the flare-ups last. 

Plaque psoriasis is the most common presentation of psoriasis and of all the patterns is the most likely to affect the typical areas of the elbows, knees, umbilicus and lower back.  As the name suggests it is marked by the presence of plaques on the skin. It is characterized by large areas patches forming particularly on the limbs and trunk; including the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. Of the 7 types of psoriasis, plaque psoriasis is the most common and accounts for approximately 80% of psoriasis cases. 

The first peak occurrence is in people aged 16-22 years. Females develop plaque it earlier than males. Chronic plaque psoriasis is usually managed initially with topical agents. If it is too extensive or severe to be effectively managed with topical treatments, phototherapy or systemic agents can be used and are usually very effective at improving and even clearing the psoriasis. 

Rapid production of skin cells forces premature skin cells to the surface of the skin where they form thick plaques. Although Plaque psoriasis usually will not cause itching, itching, cracking, and pain on the skin may also be symptoms of plaque psoriasis. The skin plaques take on a silver white appearance and the inflamed skin underneath is red. The burning sensation can be brought on when adjacent skin or clothing rubs against the plaques.

As with other types of psoriasis, Plaque Psoriasis generally is a persistent, chronic pattern of psoirasis, which can be improved with treatment, but proves to be difficult to cure with just topical treatments. Treatments with the least side effects should generally be tried first and more potentially-dangerous treatments instituted only when resistance is demonstrated.  First line management is with topical treatments, including vitamin D analogues, topical corticosteroids, tar-based preparations, dithranol, salicylic acid and topical retinoids.  Among the natural treatments available, special blends of essential oils are considered very good.  Psoriasis treatment depends primarily on the type of Psoriasis you have and the severity of it. 

Plaque psoriasis is the most common and affects 9 out of 10 sufferers. It is usually stable and remains unchanged for longer periods than the guttate variety and is called chronic as compared to the acute nature of the guttate psoriasis.  If plaque psoriasis is too extensive or severe to be effectively managed with topical treatments alone, refer to a dermatologist for phototherapy and/or systemic agents.  Psoriasis treatments include various topical creams, internal medications and light therapy.  Very often such psoriasis treatments are used as phototherapy or biologics methods, but the chosen way of treatment depends on the disease degree and doctor’s recommendations.