Psoriasis is a complex and often misunderstood skin condition that affects millions of people around the world. Its varied forms and symptoms can leave individuals feeling frustrated and uncertain about how to effectively manage it. If you or someone you know is grappling with psoriasis, you're not alone on this journey.

In honor of Psoriasis Awareness Month, in today’s blog we’ll be sharing with you our comprehensive guide that will help to demystify the diverse types of psoriasis to help you understand their distinctive characteristics and how to manage the different forms in which this chronic skin condition manifests itself.

From the classic plaque psoriasis that many are familiar with to the lesser-known guttate, pustular, and erythrodermic variants, we'll delve into the details of each psoriasis type, helping you gain a deeper understanding of their appearances, triggers, and potential impact on daily life. But we understand that knowledge alone isn't enough. That's why we're also going to provide you with practical tips for managing these different forms of psoriasis so that you can be empowered to take charge of your own skin health.

As a quick preface, it's important to note that psoriasis can vary greatly from person to person, and individuals may experience a combination of different types. The severity and extent of psoriasis can also differ, ranging from mild to severe. If you suspect you have psoriasis, it's recommended to consult a dermatologist or medical professional that specializes in psoriasis for proper diagnosis and management.

If you're unsure as to whether you have eczema or psoriasis, consider checking out this article, which covers the primary differences between the two.

Are you ready to embark on the journey of demystifying psoriasis and becoming empowered to take your skin health into your own hands with confidence? If you are, then let’s dive into today’s comprehensive guide on understanding and managing the various types of psoriasis.

 

The Different Types of Psoriasis:

1. Plaque Psoriasis (also known as Psoriasis Vulgaris)

This is the most common type of psoriasis and is characterized by raised, red patches of skin covered with silvery-white scales. These patches, known as plaques, usually appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.

 

2. Guttate Psoriasis

This type often appears after a bacterial or viral infection, such as strep throat. It causes small, red spots (aka lesions) to develop on the skin. Guttate psoriasis can affect larger areas of the body and is more common in children and young adults.

3. Inverse Psoriasis

This type affects skin folds such as the armpits, groin, and under the breasts. It causes smooth, red patches of skin that can become irritated due to friction and sweating.

4. Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis is characterized by white pustules surrounded by red skin. These pustules contain non-infectious pus and can be painful. This type can be localized to certain areas of the body or cover larger areas.

5. Erythrodermic Psoriasis

This is a rare but severe form of psoriasis that can affect the entire body. It causes widespread redness, itching, and shedding of skin in sheets. Erythrodermic psoriasis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

6. Nail Psoriasis

Psoriasis can also affect the nails, causing pitting, discoloration, thickening, and even separation of the nail from the nail bed.

7. Scalp Psoriasis

Psoriasis on the scalp can result in red, scaly patches and silvery-white scales. It can extend beyond the scalp to the forehead, neck, and behind the ears.

8. Palmoplantar Psoriasis

This type affects the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It causes thickened, red, and scaly skin that can be painful and impact daily activities.

9. Psoriatic Arthritis

While not a type of psoriasis that affects the skin, psoriatic arthritis is a related condition that involves joint inflammation along with skin symptoms. It can cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness in addition to psoriasis symptoms.

Managing the Different Types of Psoriasis

With each variant of psoriasis comes its own unique set of challenges and ways of managing, but before we go into the different ways of managing each type of psoriasis, we’ll first cover the six most common practices you should be doing to manage your psoriasis, no matter which particular variant you’re dealing with.

1. Consult a Dermatologist and Have Regular Check Ups. The first step is to consult a dermatologist or a medical professional who specializes in psoriasis so that you can get a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Keep regular appointments with your dermatologist/medical doctor to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Everyone's condition is unique, so a personalized approach is crucial.

2. Moisturize Regularly. Keeping your skin well-moisturized helps alleviate dryness, irritation, and itching, and helps reduce scaling and the risk of cracking and bleeding. Opt for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizers, like the Yu-Be Advanced Formula Pure Hydration Cream.

• If you’re dealing with nail psoriasis, be sure to apply moisturizer specifically to your nails and the surrounding skin to reduce brittleness.
• If your skin can handle camphor, then we highly recommend using the Yu-be Moisturizing Skin Cream to soothe and heal inflamed, itchy, and peeling skin.

3. Avoid Triggers and Irritants. Identifying and avoiding triggers that worsen your psoriasis can help manage flare-ups.

• Common triggers include stress, smoking, certain medications, alcohol, some foods, perfumes, and infections. 
• Harsh soaps, detergents, and cleaning agents can also worsen psoriasis symptoms, so when possible, opt for mild, non-irritating products and use gloves when handling chemicals (or avoid handling chemicals altogether!)
• Other triggers might also include certain fabrics, excessive sweating, and friction in general
• Sunburn can also exacerbate some variants of psoriasis, so use sunscreen and protective clothing whenever you are exposed to the sun

4. Manage Stress. We alluded to this point in the previous tip, but its impact is so heavy on psoriasis flare ups that it deserves its own bullet point. Since stress can trigger flare-ups or worsen symptoms, it’s important to implement relaxation techniques to reduce your levels of stress and, consequently, your psoriasis symptoms. 

• Some practices to manage stress include deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness practices, and yoga
• Engaging in hobbies you enjoy can also be a form of stress management.

5. Live A Healthier Lifestyle. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can have a positive impact on psoriasis, but what exactly do we mean by “healthy lifestyle”? Check out the following tips:

• While there's no specific diet proven to cure psoriasis, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids will help reduce inflammation. Turmeric and ginger are also powerful foods known for reducing inflammation and may help those experiencing flare ups of psoriasis
• Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and smoking
• Engaging in regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day will also combat psoriasis flare ups.

6. Use Gentle Cleansers:

• Avoid extra-drying foaming cleansers and opt instead for mild, non-foaming cleansers like the Yu-Be Hydrating Face Wash 
• When bathing, use gentle, fragrance-free soaps or cleansers and avoid hot water and harsh scrubs
• Make sure you pat your skin dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing, so as not to further aggravate damaged skin

Now that we’ve covered the best common practices for managing psoriasis symptoms in general, let’s go into the specific ways we can manage each individual variant of psoriasis.

Managing Plaque psoriasis (Psoriasis Vulgaris)

Medical Treatment:

• Topical Steroids: These are often prescribed to reduce inflammation, itching, and redness. Follow your doctor's instructions for application and duration of use.
• Topical Retinoids: These medications help slow down skin cell growth and reduce inflammation.
• Calcineurin Inhibitors: Used for sensitive areas, they suppress the immune response and alleviate symptoms.
• Coal Tar Products: These help remove scales and reduce inflammation.
• Salicylic Acid: It helps in scaling removal and can be combined with other treatments.

Bathing Practices:

• Bathe in lukewarm water instead of hot water, as hot water can worsen symptoms.
• Adding oatmeal or Epsom salts to your bath may help soothe the skin.
• Always make sure to moisturize your skin immediately after bathing to lock in your skin’s natural moisture
• Use a soft cloth to cleanse your skin, avoiding excessive scrubbing that can trigger irritation

Sunlight Exposure: Limited sun exposure can be beneficial, as natural sunlight contains UVB rays that can help manage symptoms. However, you should still use sunscreen to protect areas of unaffected skin. The Yu-Be SPF 30 Lip Therapy Stick is a convenient choice when it comes to keeping your lips both moisturized and protected from the damaging rays of the sun.

Remember that managing plaque psoriasis is an ongoing process, and what works best for one person may differ for another. It's essential to work closely with your dermatologist to develop a tailored treatment plan that meets your specific needs and preferences. With the right approach and dedication, you can effectively manage your plaque psoriasis and improve your skin health and overall well-being.

Please bear in mind that we are not doctors and if you require more personalized advice and treatment options, then it’s best to consult a healthcare professional. Now on to the next most common type of psoriasis, guttate psoriasis!

Managing Guttate Psoriasis:

• Topical Treatments: Your doctor may recommend topical treatments such as corticosteroid creams, calcineurin inhibitors, or coal tar preparations. These can help reduce inflammation, itching, and scaling.
• Phototherapy: Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to UVB light under controlled conditions. This can help slow down the growth of affected skin cells and reduce inflammation. Your dermatologist can determine the appropriate dosage and schedule that will provide the best results for you.

 

• Oral Medications: In more severe cases, your doctor might prescribe oral medications like methotrexate, cyclosporine, or acitretin. These medications work by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation.
• Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid triggers that can worsen your condition. Infections, particularly streptococcal infections (i.e. strep throat, scarlet fever, impetigo, etc.), are a common trigger for guttate psoriasis. Maintaining good hygiene and avoiding sick individuals can be helpful.
• UV Protection: While controlled UV exposure can be beneficial, it's important to protect your skin from excessive sun exposure. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing to prevent sunburn, which can worsen psoriasis symptoms.

Managing Inverse Psoriasis:

• Topical Treatments: Your doctor may prescribe topical medications such as corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or topical retinoids. These can help reduce inflammation, itching, and redness associated with inverse psoriasis.
• Keep the Area Dry: Moisture can worsen inverse psoriasis. After bathing or swimming, gently pat the affected areas dry and consider using an absorbent powder.
• Loose Clothing: Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing to minimize friction and sweating in affected areas.
• Phototherapy: In some cases, your dermatologist may recommend phototherapy, where affected skin is exposed to controlled amounts of ultraviolet light. This can help reduce inflammation and slow down the growth of skin cells.
• Prescribed Medications: If your psoriasis is severe or doesn't respond well to other treatments, your doctor might consider systemic medications such as oral immunosuppressants or biologics. These are typically reserved for more severe cases due to potential side effects.

Managing Pustular Psoriasis:

• Medications: Depending on the severity of your pustular psoriasis, your dermatologist may prescribe topical medications, oral medications, or even biologic therapies. Topical treatments can include corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and coal tar. Oral medications might include methotrexate or cyclosporine. Biologics, such as TNF-alpha inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, or IL-23 inhibitors, can be used for severe cases.
• UV Light Therapy: Controlled exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light under medical supervision can help manage psoriasis symptoms. UVB and PUVA (psoralen plus UVA) are two types of light therapy that may be used. Consult a medical professional that specializes in psoriasis to see whether or not this form of therapy would be beneficial for you.
• Keep Your Skin Clean: Good hygiene is essential to prevent infections, the opposite of which can worsen pustular psoriasis. However, avoid over-washing or using hot water, as it can dry out your skin.
• Cool Compresses: Applying cool, damp compresses to the affected areas can help soothe itching and discomfort. Applying a cream that contains soothing camphor, such as the Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream, may also aid in cooling and calming itchy, irritated skin.

• Support Groups: Connecting with others who have pustular psoriasis through support groups or online communities can provide emotional support and valuable insights into managing the condition.

Managing Erythrodermic Psoriasis:

• Hospitalization: In severe cases, hospitalization might be necessary to stabilize your condition. Erythrodermic psoriasis can cause serious complications, including fluid and electrolyte imbalances, so medical supervision is crucial.
• Medications: Your dermatologist might prescribe various medications, including topical creams, oral medications, and biologics, to manage the symptoms and the underlying inflammation. Common treatments include corticosteroids, retinoids, methotrexate, cyclosporine, and newer biologic drugs like TNF-alpha inhibitors or IL-17 inhibitors.
• Cool Compresses: Applying cool, wet compresses to your skin can help soothe itching and inflammation.
• Avoid Irritation: Avoid wearing tight or scratchy clothing, and opt for loose, breathable fabrics.

 

Managing Nail Psoriasis:

• Topical Treatments: Your doctor might recommend topical treatments such as corticosteroid creams, calcipotriene (a vitamin D analog), or tazarotene (a topical retinoid) to help manage nail psoriasis. These can help reduce inflammation and promote healthier nail growth.
• Systemic Medications: In more severe cases, oral or injectable medications like methotrexate, cyclosporine, or biologics might be prescribed. These can help suppress the immune response that triggers psoriasis symptoms.
• Nail Care: Proper nail care can help manage nail psoriasis symptoms. Keep your nails trimmed and filed to prevent snagging, which can worsen the condition. Avoid picking at the nails and cuticles as well.
• Avoid Trauma: Protect your nails from trauma and injury. Wear gloves when performing activities that could damage your nails, such as gardening or cleaning.
• Avoid Harmful Nail Products: Certain nail products like nail polish removers and artificial nails can aggravate nail psoriasis. Try to avoid these products or choose ones specifically designed for sensitive nails.
• UV Light Therapy: Phototherapy, which involves exposing your nails to ultraviolet light under medical supervision, can sometimes be effective in managing nail psoriasis.
• Medicated Nail Products: Your doctor may prescribe medicated nail lacquers or solutions containing corticosteroids, calcipotriene, or tazarotene. These products are specifically designed for treating nail psoriasis.
• Follow Your Treatment Plan: Consistency is key in managing nail psoriasis. Follow your doctor's recommendations for treatment and attend follow-up appointments to track your progress and adjust the treatment plan if necessary.

 

Managing Scalp Psoriasis:

Medical Treatments:

• Topical Treatments: These include corticosteroid creams, ointments, and foams designed specifically for the scalp. Non-steroidal topical treatments like calcipotriene (a synthetic form of vitamin D) can also be effective.
• Coal Tar Products: Shampoos and solutions containing coal tar can help reduce inflammation and scaling. They can be used in combination with other treatments.
• Salicylic Acid: Shampoos and solutions with salicylic acid can help exfoliate the scales and reduce their thickness.
• Prescription Medications: In more severe cases, your dermatologist might prescribe oral medications or biologics that target the immune system.

Home Remedies:

• Occlusion Therapy: Apply medicated creams or ointments to your scalp and cover it with plastic wrap or a shower cap overnight. This can enhance the effectiveness of the treatments.
• Warm Oil Treatments: Applying warm olive, coconut, or jojoba oil to your scalp before washing can help soften and remove scales.

 

• Aloe Vera: Applying aloe vera gel directly to the scalp can provide relief from itching and inflammation.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Diluted apple cider vinegar can help soothe the scalp. Remember to do a patch test before using it to ensure it doesn't cause irritation.

UV Light Therapy (Phototherapy): Controlled exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can help reduce inflammation and slow down the growth of skin cells. Phototherapy should be administered under the guidance of a dermatologist.

Hygiene: Wash your hair regularly using gentle, fragrance-free shampoos. Avoid harsh shampoos that can worsen irritation.

Avoid Scratching: Scratching can worsen inflammation and lead to infection. Try to resist the urge to scratch your scalp.

Managing Palmoplantar Psoriasis:

Medical Treatment:

• Topical Treatments: These include corticosteroid creams, vitamin D analogs, coal tar preparations, and calcineurin inhibitors. Your doctor can recommend the most suitable option for you based on the status of your condition.
• Systemic Medications: In more severe cases, oral or injectable medications may be prescribed, such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, or biologic drugs.

• be prescribed, such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, or biologic drugs.

Warm Water Baths: Soaking in warm water can help soften scales and ease discomfort. Avoid hot water, as it can worsen skin dryness.
Salicylic Acid: Over-the-counter creams or ointments containing salicylic acid can help reduce scaling and promote skin shedding.
Phototherapy: Controlled exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light under medical supervision can help manage symptoms. Types of phototherapy include UVB and PUVA (psoralen plus UVA).
Avoid Trauma: Protect your hands and feet from injuries, as trauma can trigger or exacerbate flare-ups.

 

Managing Psoriatic Arthritis:

Medical Treatment: Work closely with a rheumatologist or a healthcare professional who specializes in autoimmune diseases. They can prescribe medications to manage inflammation and pain.

• Common medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologics.
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs may help manage pain and inflammation. Prescription medications can be used for more severe pain.

Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help maintain joint flexibility, muscle strength, and overall mobility. Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and gentle stretching are often recommended. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen.

Joint Protection: Use assistive devices or tools to reduce strain on your joints. Maintain good posture and avoid repetitive movements that can stress your joints.

Topical Treatments: If you have skin symptoms as well, your doctor might recommend topical treatments like corticosteroids or moisturizers to manage psoriasis plaques.

Rest and Sleep: Adequate rest and quality sleep are important for managing pain and promoting overall well-being. Consider using pillows or supports to find comfortable sleeping positions.

 

Navigating the intricate landscape of psoriasis may seem daunting, but armed with knowledge and a strong desire to improve the quality of your life, managing this chronic skin condition becomes an achievable feat. Throughout this comprehensive guide, we've delved into the various types of psoriasis, ranging from the well-known plaque psoriasis to the lesser-discussed forms like guttate, pustular, inverse, erythrodermic, and more. Each variant carries its own unique challenges and triggers, as well as ways of management.

While it may feel overwhelming to consider how much you need to know in order to properly manage your psoriasis, it’s important to remember that knowledge is the foundation of effective management. By understanding the characteristics, triggers, and symptoms of the particular psoriasis that you deal with, you're better equipped to take the steps that are appropriate for the type of psoriasis that you deal with. From medical treatments and skincare practices to lifestyle adjustments and stress management techniques, you now have an array of tools at your disposal to take charge of your skin health and well-being.

We also want to emphasize the importance of consulting a dermatologist or a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Every individual's experience with psoriasis is unique, and a tailored approach is essential for optimal management.

August may be Psoriasis Awareness Month, but we encourage you to use the knowledge you gained in this guide on demystifying psoriasis to break down misconceptions, offer support to those affected (including yourself), and empower ourselves and others to live confidently with psoriasis beyond just this month. Remember, you're not alone on this journey—there's a community of individuals, medical experts, and resources available to help you along the way. With determination and the right approach, you can manage psoriasis and lead a fulfilling, healthy life!

So, whether you're dealing with plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, or any other form, we hope that, after reading this comprehensive guide to understanding and managing different forms of psoriasis, you now feel ready to take on the journey of managing your psoriasis in the best way possible so that you can live life and embrace your skin with confidence!