Pictures of plaque psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disease, there are many forms of which plaque psoriasis is the most common. The red patches are covered with a white buildup of dead skin cells called scales. This article will provide information on the diagnosis, treatment, and manifestations of plaque psoriasis.

Plaque psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition. This is the most common type of psoriasis. It is characterized by raised, red patches of skin with silvery white scales. They usually appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Psoriasis patches can crack and bleed, causing pain and itching. The more you scratch, the thicker they become, scratching can lead to breakage, bleeding, and infection. A plaque can be up to 4 inches wide or larger. Plaque psoriasis is sometimes misdiagnosed as another skin condition, such as dermatitis and eczema. It can appear at any age, but it is more common in adults.
Doctors have not found the main cause of plaque psoriasis. It is considered an autoimmune disease. That is, the immune system attacks healthy cells as if it were fighting an infection. This causes new skin cells to grow much faster than normal, and they build up in thick patches. Whether you get plaque psoriasis depends on your genes and health history. About 10% of people are born with genes that make them more likely to develop psoriasis than others. In addition, the occurrence of disease is a consequence of the activation of immune system responses. Sometimes, it can be a skin injury or sunburn. It can also be a side effect of a certain medication or an infection or stress..etc. All of those factors can lead to psoriasis.

Psoriasis is not contagious, it is not spread by touch or other close contact. People with psoriasis tend to have other inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, fatty liver disease, and obesity. People with psoriasis may also be more susceptible to heart disease, depression, and a type of eye disease called uveitis. Patients with psoriasis are also more likely to develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling and deformity.

The distribution of psoriatic plaques on the body may appear random. Once psoriasis has developed, it can appear in several different forms in many different places. Unlike inverse psoriasis, plaque psoriasis usually does not affect the genitals and armpits.
Based on severity to classify psoriasis into 3 levels as mild, moderate or severe. Your doctor will first determine the severity of your psoriasis based on how it affects your body:
Mild psoriasis means less than 3 percent of the body has plaque present . Moderate psoriasis covers 3 to 10 percent of the body. Severe psoriasis is present in more than 10 percent of the body.

Most doctors and nurses can tell if a patch of scaly or rough skin is psoriasis. Sometimes a biopsy or a visit with a dermatologist is needed to make a diagnosis. Possible triggers for psoriasis include:
Skin trauma Medication use Dry skin Stress Excessive sun exposure Side effects of certain creams or lotions

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, at least 50 percent of people with plaque psoriasis will experience scalp psoriasis. Dandruff flakes are yellow and greasy. Scalp psoriasis presents with a silvery or white chalky appearance. Sometimes, the skin on the head is just slightly rough or flaky. This type can cover the entire head. It can also appear on the forehead, back of the neck, and the skin around the ears.
Plaque psoriasis on the scalp is treated differently than plaque psoriasis on other parts of the body. Ointments and shampoos can be used to treat scalp psoriasis. Sometimes, topical medications are also used to get rid of plaque psoriasis on the scalp.

In some cases, plaque psoriasis can become very severe and it can cover most of the body. Plaque psoriasis of this severity is uncomfortable and even dangerous if it becomes infected or progresses to other forms of psoriasis. Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis can be effectively treated with different types of therapy, including biologic therapy. Severe cases often require a specialized treatment plan developed with a dermatologist. Prescription medications will also be used for these conditions.

The treatment for plaque psoriasis is not the same for each person. Most dermatologists will start with the simplest and most minimally invasive treatments. Initial treatments include: topical corticosteroids, vitamin D, salicylic acid ointment. Topical skin treatments require regular application and avoidance of skin irritants. If these do not work, several other treatments may be recommended, including: oral medications, intravenous medications, naturopathy, and light therapy.
Use of oral medications Your doctor may recommend systematic treatment of your psoriasis with prescription medications. A class of oral anti-rheumatic drugs is used to slow or stop a condition caused by an overactive immune system. Includes: apremilast (Otezla), acitretin (Soriatane), Cyclosporine Methotrexate.
Intravenous Drugs Currently, there are several drugs on the market that are classified as biologics. Biologic drugs target specific parts of the immune system. They block the activity of a specific type of immune cell called a T cell or block proteins in the immune system, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 17-A, or interleukin 12 and 23

Natural Skin Treatments for Plaque Psoriasis Because it is a chronic condition, many people with plaque psoriasis will try alternative natural treatments. One method that has gained considerable attention in the psoriasis community is mud and sea salt. Although scientific evidence is limited about the effectiveness of these treatments, many believe it can help treat plaque psoriasis.
Light Therapy for Plaque Psoriasis Light therapy is a common treatment for plaque psoriasis. Because light therapy is non-pharmaceutical, it is a popular choice before systemic medication. Some people can be healed through regular sun exposure therapy. However, too much sun exposure can also burn the skin and make plaque psoriasis worse.
Most people with psoriasis experience some healing with treatment according to standard guidelines. While your skin may never be permanently psoriasis-free, it will go into remission. Anyone can develop psoriasis, but it is not contagious. Awareness of the disease is very important in determining effective treatment for you.
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References: healthline.com, webmd.com, webmd.com