11/08/2026
This , we're spreading awareness about this inflammatory skin condition that affects around 1.6 million Australians...
There are several different types of psoriasis, the most common being chronic plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris).
Chronic plaque psoriasis occurs in 90% of people affected by psoriasis. It has characteristic thick, sharply edged (marginated) red scaly lesions. It may be seen on any area of the skin, but the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp are most commonly affected by the condition. The affected areas may be itchy or mildly uncomfortable.
Less common forms of psoriasis include:
☑️ Inverse (flexural) psoriasis occurs in the armpits, groin, between the buttocks, in the belly button (umbilicus), the ears and other areas where skin rubs against skin. It has characteristic sharp-edged patches with little or no scale.
☑️ Palmoplantar psoriasis occurs on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. It has characteristic scaling, redness or pustules (small blister or pimple on the skin containing pus).
☑️ Guttate psoriasis is most commonly seen in young adults 2 to 3 weeks after they have had tonsillitis or a viral infection. It develops rapidly and has characteristic widespread, small, thin, teardrop lesions. It usually improves over a period of 2 to 3 months.
☑️ Pustular psoriasis is a very rare form of psoriasis which appears suddenly and presents as small pustules developing in inflamed skin and spreading rapidly. The person is sick, and hospitalisation and oral medications are necessary.
☑️ Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare, severe form involving almost the entire skin surface. This is considered a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment, sometimes in hospital.
☑️ Nail psoriasis can affect the nails in several ways, including with pitting or grooves in the nails, thickening, yellow discolouration, detachment of the nail plate off the nail bed (onycholysis), or discoloured spots in the nail bed. It may affect just one or a few nails or all fingernails and toenails.
To learn more about psoriasis, visit our website:
https://skinhealthinstitute.org.au/skin-conditions/psoriasis/