There are many variations of psoriasis that people, including infants, can develop.
Napkin psoriasis
This is a type of psoriasis specific to infants. The skin lesions appear in the diaper area. This can make diagnosis difficult, as infants develop many other types of
diaper rash.
Plaque psoriasis
This is the
most common type of psoriasis in all ages.
Plaque psoriasis looks like raised, scaly, reddish-white or silver patches, particularly on the lower back, scalp, elbows, and knees. In children, plaques tend to be smaller in individual size and softer.
Guttate psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis is more common in infants and children than adults, although it is still the
second most common type of psoriasis overall. It is the most likely type of psoriasis to be triggered by a strep infection or a cold. It appears as small, dot-like patches (rather than the large plaques) all over the body.
Pustular psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis appears as red patches with a pus-filled center. These pustules most commonly occur on the hands and feet. This type is uncommon in infants.
Scalp psoriasis
With scalp psoriasis, plaques specifically appear on the
scalp, causing raised red areas with whitish buildup of flaky skin cells on top.
Inverse psoriasis
With this type of psoriasis, shiny red lesions appear in skin folds such as under the arms and behind the knees.
This type of psoriasis may be accompanied by psoriasis outbreaks on other parts of the body. It is uncommon in infants
Erythrodermic psoriasis
This very rare,
life-threatening type of psoriasis results in a bright red rash all over the body. It is extremely itchy and painful, and may cause large portions of skin to come off.
Nail psoriasis
This type of psoriasis is also uncommon in infants. It causes pitting and ridges in the finger and toenails, and may even cause them to discolor or fall off. Nail changes may or may not be accompanied by skin lesions.