Psoriasis
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508205742im_/http://www.psoriasis.org/images/template/h_blue_rule.gif)
Psoriasis [pronounced sore-EYE-ah-sis] is a noncontagious, lifelong skin disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis.
The most common form, plaque [plak] psoriasis, appears as raised, red patches or lesions covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells, called scale.
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Forms of psoriasis
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508205742im_/http://www.psoriasis.org/images/template/h_blue_rule.gif)
There are five types of psoriasis. Click on the names to learn more.
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508205742im_/http://www.psoriasis.org/images/template/clear.gif)
Plaque: Most common form of the disease
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508205742im_/http://www.psoriasis.org/images/template/clear.gif)
Guttate: Appears as small red spots on the skin
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508205742im_/http://www.psoriasis.org/images/template/clear.gif)
Inverse: Occurs in armpits, groin and skin folds
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508205742im_/http://www.psoriasis.org/images/template/clear.gif)
Pustular: White blisters surrounded by red skin
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508205742im_/http://www.psoriasis.org/images/template/clear.gif)
Erythrodermic: Intense redness over large areas
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Specific skin sites
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508205742im_/http://www.psoriasis.org/images/template/h_blue_rule.gif)
Psoriasis can occur on any part of the body. Learn more about psoriasis on specific skin sites:
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508205742im_/http://www.psoriasis.org/images/template/clear.gif)
Scalp psoriasis
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508205742im_/http://www.psoriasis.org/images/template/clear.gif)
Genital psoriasis
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508205742im_/http://www.psoriasis.org/images/template/clear.gif)
On the face - Around eyes, ears, mouth and nose
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508205742im_/http://www.psoriasis.org/images/template/clear.gif)
On the hands and feet
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508205742im_/http://www.psoriasis.org/images/template/clear.gif)
Psoriasis of the nails
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