Erythrodermic Psoriasis
This type of psoriasis is the least common, but it’s very serious. Eyrthrodermic psoriasis affects most of the body and causes widespread, fiery skin redness that may appear burned. In addition, you may have:
- Severe itching, burning, or peeling
- An increase in heart rate
- Changing body temperature
If you have these symptoms, see the doctor right away. You may need to be hospitalized. This type of psoriasis can cause severe illness from protein and fluid loss. You may also develop an infection, pneumonia, or congestive heart failure.
These things may trigger erythrodermic psoriasis:
- Sudden withdrawal from a systemic psoriasis treatment
- An allergic drug reaction
- Severe sunburn
- Infection
- Medications such as lithium, anti-malarial drugs, cortisone, or strong coal tar products
Erythrodermic psoriasis may also occur if you have a long period where it is hard to control your psoriasis.
Nail Psoriasis
Up to half those with psoriasis have nail changes. This is even more common in those who have a type of psoriasis that affects the joints (psoriatic arthritis).
These are common symptoms of nail psoriasis:
- Shallow or deep holes
- Changes in nail shape
- Thickening
- Separation of the nail from the bed
- Unusual color
With nail psoriasis, you are more likely to also have a fungal infection.
Nails are a more difficult area to treat because the medication doesn't easily penetrate the nail bed. It helps to keep nails trimmed as short as possible.
Psoriatic Arthritis
This is a condition where you have both psoriasis and arthritis (joint inflammation). In 70% of cases, people have psoriasis for about 10 years before developing psoriatic arthritis. About 90% of people with psoriatic arthritis will also have nail changes related to psoriasis.
The most common joint symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are:
- Painful and stiff joints that are worse in the morning and after rest
- Sausage like swelling of the fingers and toes
- Warm joints that may be discolored
