For some people, psoriasis may look like a few patches of dandruff-like scales. For others, it may cover large areas and be painful, even disfiguring. While it usually shows up on the scalp, knees, elbows and torso, it can show up anywhere—on the eyelids, ears, mouth and lips, skin folds, hands and feet, and nails

There are five types of psoriasis:

• Plaque (plak) psoriasis. The most common type, this causes dry, red patches (also known as plaques) with silvery scales. They are typically found on the scalp, elbows, chest, knees and lower back, though can occur anywhere.
• Guttate (guh-tate) psoriasis. Small, drop-shaped sores that appear on the trunk, limbs and scalp. This type primarily affects people younger than 30 and can be triggered by a bacterial infection, such as a strep throat, a cold, a skin injury or medication. It can appear as another type of psoriasis and then turn into guttate psoriasis.
• Inverse psoriasis. Smooth, red patches may appear in skin-folds in the armpits, groin, under the breasts and around the genitals. Sweating and friction can make things worse.
• Erthrodermic (eh-reeth-ro-der-mic) psorsiasis. The least common type, this psoriasis can cover your entire body with a red, peeling rash that can itch and burn. It may be triggered by sunburn, by coricosteroids (cortisone) or other medications, or by another type of psoriasis that is not well controlled.
• Psoriatic (pso-ri-a-tic) arthritis. If having psoriasis weren’t enough, some people may also have swollen, painful joints that are typical of arthritis as well as inflamed, scaly skin. Although this isn’t as crippling as other forms of arthritis, it still can cause stiffness and joint damage that can get worse.

Most types of psoriasis go through cycles, causing flare-ups for a few weeks or months, then quieting down or going away for a time. In most cases, however, it does come back.

Reach for the relief of Dermarest^®—which moisturizes and relieves the pain and itch of psoriasis.