What are the different types of psoriasis?

There are five different types of psoriasis.

Plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis accounting for around 80% of those suffering from the disease. It shows up on the skin with red patches often with silver or a white scaly layer of dead skin cells. Plaque psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body but is most commonly found on elbows, knees, scalp and back. Affected areas are up to 10cm in diameter but can be larger and cover larger areas of the body. These patches are highly irritable but scratching them can make things worse.

Guttate psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis is characterised by small red or pink spots on the skin and often present themselves on the torso, arms and legs. Guttate psoriasis affects around 10% of those impacted by psoriasis. Guttate psoriasis spots are not as big as plaque psoriasis but they can develop into plaque psoriasis over time. Guttate psoriasis can result as a consequence of a number of triggers including stress, infection, medication or some other skin injury.

Inverse or flexural psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis often appears on skin folds in areas such as under the breasts, under the armpits or groin area. Inverse psoriasis appears as shiny and smooth red areas on the skin and is often misdiagnosed as a fungal or bacterial infection. On the skin folds where inverse psoriasis appears it can be very uncomfortable due to the skin on skin contact. It is quite common for people with inverse psoriasis to also have other forms of psoriasis at the same time.

Pustular psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis is less common but is an acute form of psoriasis which shows itself as white pustules surrounded by red skin. Like other types of psoriasis, pustular psoriasis can appear on different areas of the body but is commonly on hands and feet. The pus caused by pustular psoriasis is non-infectious. This skin condition can cause other symptoms including fever, chills, loss of appetite and muscle weakness.

Whilst there are five types of psoriasis, there are three separate types of pustular psoriasis including: von Zumbusch, palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) and acropustulosis. Each type of pustular psoriasis can have different levels of severity and cause different symptoms.

Erythrodermic psoriasis

Erythrodermic or exfoliative psoriasis is a rare (around 3% of those impacted), but very serious form of psoriasis. This form of psoriasis covers a large part of the body with red, scaly patches. In some cases, this type of psoriasis may result in hospitalisation. Erythrodermic psoriasis may develop from a bad sunburn, significant stress, alcoholism, infection or from plaque psoriasis.

Solbari is partnered with Psoriasis Australia.

Solbari developed a sensitive fabric range of clothing specifically for those with psoriasis who are also looking to protect themselves from the sun with UPF 50+ protection. This is particularly important if the person impacted by psoriasis is undertaking phototherapy or light therapy as they will be more susceptible to skin cancer. Also, erythrodermic psoriasis can be triggered by severe sunburn.

Solbari UPF 50+ sensitive fabric is made from a blend of bamboo and cotton which is super soft on the skin and helps regulate the body temperature in hot, sunny conditions. Keeping cool in the heat will reduce the likelihood of flare-ups of psoriasis.

Solbari is the leading sun protection brand in Australia with customers in over 70 countries. Solbari offers an award-winning range of UPF 50+ sun protective clothing, sun hats, UV arm sleeves and sun umbrellas.