Plaque – Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of the condition and affects about 90% of people living with psoriasis. It causes raised, red, dry lesions or plaques that dry and flake off.

Guttate – Guttate psoriasis is the second most common form of the condition and affects about 10% of psoriasis sufferers. It is usually found in young adults and children and triggered by a bacterial infection like strep throat.

Inverse – Inverse psoriasis is identified by smooth red lesions that may appear shiny. Inverse psoriasis shows up in the skin folds where there is friction and sweat, most commonly in the armpits, in the groin, around genitals, and under the breasts.

Pustular – Pustular psoriasis typically causes small, pus-filled blisters which then dry out and form scales. The blisters, or pustules, can affect a small area of the body (localized), or a large one (generalized).

Erythrodermic – Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare but severe form of the condition that affects a large part of the body and causes a red, peeling rash. This form of the condition often has to be treated in the hospital.

Scientists to not know exactly why people get psoriasis, but it seems to be linked to the immune system and genetics.³

People with psoriasis have an overactive immune system, causing T cells to attack healthy skin cells by mistake, instead of fighting off viruses or bacteria. These overactive T cells cause skin to turn over too quickly, and trigger psoriasis.⁵

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder and does not go away, but symptoms can get better for periods of time.¹

While there is currently no cure for psoriasis, a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle can help control the symptoms.¹

Yes—avoiding common triggers as much as possible—including stress, infections, some medications, cold or dry weather, injuries to your skin, sunburns, smoking, and heavy alcohol use—will help reduce your symptoms and make it easier to manage your condition.^2,3

Exposing the affected skin to small amounts of sunlight can help, but be careful. Too much sun exposure can make symptoms worse or cause outbreaks. Work with your dermatologist and keep a record of exposure time to make sure you do what is best for you. Be sure you cover unaffected skin with sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher.⁷

There are 3 ways to treat and manage your psoriasis symptoms: topical creams, light therapy, and oral or injected medications. Combining the treatments recommended by your dermatologist with your own management of psoriasis triggers will help you manage your condition and be as symptom-free as possible over the long term.^2,3,8