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What is Plaque Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition. The disease is characterised by the rapid build-up of skin cells, causing inflammation and scaling on the skin’s surface.

Plaque Psoriasis is the most common type of Psoriasis. It causes red, inflamed patches covered with whitish-silver scales or plaques. These plaques are commonly found on the skin of the elbows, knees, and scalp.

Causes

Doctors are unclear as to the exact underlying cause of Plaque Psoriasis. However, the two general factors are:
•   Immune System: Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. Autoimmune conditions are the result of the body attacking itself. In the case of Plaque Psoriasis, white blood cells known as T cells mistakenly attack the skin cells. This causes the skin cell production process to go into overdrive and develop too quickly.
•   Genetics: Some people inherit genes that make them more likely to develop Plaque Psoriasis. If you have an immediate family member with the skin condition, the risk for developing Plaque Psoriasis is higher.

Symptoms

Plaque Psoriasis symptoms differ from person to person and depend on the severity of disease you have. Common symptoms of Plaque Psoriasis include:
•   Red, inflamed patches that cover areas of the skin
•   Whitish-silver scales or plaques
•   Plaques might be itchy or painful
•   Dry skin that may crack and bleed
•   Soreness around patches

Most people with Plaque Psoriasis go through “cycles” of symptoms. The condition may cause severe symptoms for a few days or weeks, and then the symptoms may clear up and be almost unnoticeable.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Plaque Psoriasis is diagnosed by a Doctor using a physical examination. If the symptoms are unclear, or if your doctor wants to confirm their suspected diagnosis, they may conduct a biopsy.

There is currently no known cure for Plaque Psoriasis. Treatments aim to reduce inflammation and scales, slow the growth of skin cells, and remove plaques. Psoriasis treatments fall into three main categories:
•   Topical treatments
•   Systemic medications
•   Light therapy using ultraviolet (UV) or natural light

Additional Information

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) estimates that about 80 percent of people with Psoriasis have Plaque Psoriasis type.

Plaque Psoriasis is sometimes misdiagnosed as another skin condition, such as Eczema.

Plaque Psoriasis isn’t contagious. Touching a Psoriatic lesion on another person won’t cause you to develop the condition.

Also see: Psoriasis