The skin disease psoriasis is one of the most common forms of skin disorders treated today in doctors’ offices around the world. One of its forms affects thousands of people each year. There are treatments available to fight the symptoms and provide relief, but research is ongoing in the search for the psoriasis cause and finding a permanent cure.

There are several different types of psoriasis that has been identified. For clarification, here is a list of the more common types and their symptoms.

• plaque psoriasis
• guttate psoriasis
• inverse psoriasis

The interesting thing about psoriasis is that one person can have more than one version. Needless to say, this isn’t a pleasant occurrence by any means. The most frequently diagnosed type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis. It appears in 80% of people with psoriasis. It is described as a red rash that gradually worsens in intensity. With the rash are silvery, scaly patches that are made of dead skin cells that won’t release from the skin. The lesions are unattractive, itchy, and painful. They can appear any where on the body, but are likely to be found on the lower back, scalp, and arms. The most frequently used treatments are psoriasis creams.

Another form of psoriasis is guttate psoriasis. This one isn’t as common as plaque psoriasis and often follows a respiratory infection. It shows up as small red spots on the skin. Most people with this type of psoriasis notice the rash on the trunk of the body and arms and legs. It is typically treated in the same way as plaque psoriasis. Your doctor will help you find the right treatment plan for you.

Inverse psoriasis is very much like plaque psoriasis as well. The major difference is that it appears in the creases of the body. Anywhere skin meets, and you have psoriasis, this one can show up. Think armpits, the insides of the elbows and knees. One of the most unpleasant places that inverse psoriasis appears is in the groin area. The only up side to this locale is that it can’t be seen and you don’t have to answer questions about it. Of course, this area is also difficult to keep psoriasis cream on due to clothing and psoriasis symptoms in that region are rather uncomfortable.