Papules, Scales, Plaques and Eruptions

Psoriasis vulgaris, scalp and nail findings. Pinpoint pits and distal onycholysis (so-called "oil-spot" discoloration) are seen in the fingernails of a child with psoriasis.

Psoriasis vulgaris is the medical name for the most common form of psoriasis ("vulgaris" means common). About 80% of people with psoriasis have this type. It is also called plaque psoriasis because of the characteristic plaques on the skin: well-defined patches of red raised skin that can appear on any area of skin, although the knees, elbows, scalp, trunk and nails are the most common locations. The flaky silvery white buildup on top of the plaques is called scale; it is composed of dead skin cells. This scale comes loose and sheds constantly from the plaques. Skin affected with psoriasis is generally very dry, and other possible symptoms include skin pain, itching and cracking.