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 a significant problem for dermatologists in the US. Over 7 million people suffer from this chronic skin condition and it affects both women and men of all ages.

Recent research indicates that Psoriasis may be caused by liver dysfunction and may also be related to immune system functions. Generally patches of inflamed red skin called plaques characterize symptoms. While these are the most visible symptoms Psoriasis causes significant discomfort due to pain, itching, limited joint mobility and depending on the affected area, it may also cause emotional distress.

Human blood contains T-cells, which normally protect the body against disease. Research indicates that in Psoriasis victims these T-cells are over-active and become responsible for excessive skin cell reproduction resulting in the plaques.

Symptomatic treatment of this disease results in destroying the excessive skin production caused by malfunctioning T-Cells. This is done by use of Ultra Violet light, which can destroy these excessive growths. The process of destroying these skin cells is called Apoptosis and is included by many doctors as a treatment option.

Many alternative therapies are also available and widely publicized. These include the use of Dead Sea salts and soaps with high salt content to purging liver treatments. None of these have been proven conclusively effective in removing the symptoms entirely. Because of the chronic nature of this condition and its often painful symptoms, patients often tire of non medical intervention and seek help from doctors.

Phototherapy treatments for Psoriasis can be done using UVB and UVA light. For most mild to moderate cases doctors generally elect to use UVB Narrow Band Spectrum treatments. Current knowledge of these treatments suggests that these Narrow Band UVB (NBUVB) treatments have better results than Broad Band treatment options.

When UVA light is used, doctors include topical and oral administration of a drug called Psoralen. This drug improves skin sensitivity to UVA light and improves the effectiveness of the treatments. While the disease may not be entirely curable, such treatments provide significant symptomatic relief to patients suffering from Psoriasis.

Psoriasis appears as raised, red patches or lesions covered with dead skin cells on the skin. Scalp psoriasis can be mild, with fine scaling or thick with crusted plaques, covering the entire scalp. The areas of the skin grow very rapidly and form red, scaling patches. Patients experience severe itchiness, a feeling of tightness and soreness, accompanied by hair loss. Scalp psoriasis is a common form of psoriasis affecting over 50% of patients.

Treatments for scalp psoriasis are generally temporarily effective and continued over a long period. Moderate exposure of the scalp to sunlight and regular washing of the head helps reduce the spread of the condition. Certain shampoo treatments control the spread of psoriasis. Other treatments prescribed by doctors include coal tar, dithranol, salicylic acid, cortico-steroids and Vitamin D derivatives.

The correct method of application of the treatment is important. The hair is parted into sections and the medication is rubbed into the exposed area. It is necessary to comb and brush the hair regularly in order to remove scaling. Shampooing with a coal tar based shampoo followed by a cortisone lotion rubbed into the scalp is recommended. A frequent break in the regimen ensures that the psoriasis does not become resistant to treatment.

Topical medications like corticosteriods are effective against scalp psoriasis. They are available in solutions, gels, creams, lotions and ointments. A two-week cycle of treatment is commonly recommended for strong steroids.

In cases of mild scalp psoriasis, doctors inject the scalp lesions with steroid medications. The medication is absorbed into the system and is therefore sparingly used.

Systemic medications or prescription medications are administered to patients with moderate to severe scalp psoriasis. Biologic drugs that are made from living human or animal proteins block or eliminate various immune system cells involved in scalp psoriasis.

Since psoriasis is known to be a waxing and waning condition, it usually subsides with regular treatment. It is unusual for anyone to suffer extensive scalp psoriasis for a long time, especially if they seek medical help and use treatments as directed. Any medical regimen for psoriasis needs to be closely supervised by a dermatologist.