Plaque psoriasis

• Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis.
• Plaque psoriasis is a skin condition that causes patches of red, dark, or discolored skin with silvery-white scales on top. The affected areas can be itchy and painful.
• Plaque psoriasis is a chronic condition, meaning that it lasts a long time. However, the signs of plaque psoriasis can come and go.
• Plaque psoriasis treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms and improving your quality of life. 

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. It is caused by an overactive immune system, which causes an overproduction of skin cells. Plaque psoriasis is a skin condition that causes patches of red, dark, or discolored skin with silvery-white scales on top. The affected areas may feel itchy and painful. Receiving a diagnosis can help you get the correct treatment to relieve your symptoms. In this guide by Ada’s medical team, you’ll find more information about plaque psoriasis, its symptoms, treatment options, and possible complications. 

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. It is a long-lasting skin condition that is considered an autoimmune disease, as it is caused by an overactive immune system. Plaque psoriasis causes patches of red, dark, or discolored skin with silvery-white scales on top. For most people, plaque psoriasis develops in their twenties, although it can appear at other ages as well. 1 2

Plaque psoriasis symptoms appear on the skin. You may notice: 1 2

• Patches of red, thick skin with silvery-white scales on top if you have pale skin. Plaque psoriasis on black skin usually appears as a light to dark brown, ashy, or gray discoloration. This discoloration typically appears on the scalp, trunk, elbows, and knees. Other parts of the body may also be affected. These patches usually appear in a symmetrical pattern on the body.
• A burning, itchy, or painful sensation
• Dry, cracked skin that bleeds
• Thick pitted nails
• Affected sleep 

The symptoms of psoriasis can vary and can range from mild to severe. 

The cause of plaque psoriasis is an overactive immune system which affects the skin cells and causes them to become overly active. Due to the fast multiplication of skin cells, certain areas of the skin start appearing thick, scaly, and inflamed. The reason why the immune system is overly active in people with plaque psoriasis is still being studied. Scientists believe that this may be due to genetics and some other factors such as: 1

• HIV infections
• Streptococcal infections
• The use of medications such as beta-blockers, or anti-malaria medication
• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Stress
• Obesity  
• Skin injury

Plaque psoriasis is not contagious, so you can’t get the condition from somebody else. 

Psoriasis is a chronic condition, meaning that it lasts for a long time. People affected by this condition often have flare-ups of symptoms for the rest of their lives. This means that the symptoms can come and go. In order to reduce the amount of flare-ups, it is important to avoid what triggers plaque psoriasis in your case. 2

Your GP or dermatologist can diagnose plaque psoriasis based on the symptoms you’re experiencing and the appearance of your skin. The condition needs to be distinguished from other conditions that affect the skin in a similar way, such as eczema. In some cases, a small piece of your skin may be collected to examine it under a microscope. 2

Treatment for plaque psoriasis mainly focuses on relieving the symptoms of the condition, as a permanent cure for this condition does not exist. Plaque psoriasis treatment can include: 4 2 5

• Creams and ointments  such as vitamin D3 analogues (synthetic vitamin D) or topical corticosteroids, are the most common treatments for mild plaque psoriasis.
• Phototherapy can be used when the creams don’t have the desired effect or when you have moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. This type of therapy exposes the skin to ultraviolet light and can be effective for plaque psoriasis on the nails, the skin, and the scalp. 
• Plaque psoriasis medication can be prescribed in more severe cases and can be taken orally or by means of an injection. Some examples of medication for plaque psoriasis are Apremilast, Cyclosporine, Acitretin or Methotrexate. 

In some cases, plaque psoriasis causes a condition called psoriatic arthritis. This happens when psoriasis also affects the joints, causing them to be swollen, stiff, and painful. 

Other conditions have also been linked to plaque psoriasis. These include:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Sleep disorders
• Kidney disease
• Metabolic syndrome
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Mental health issues and low self-esteem

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. It causes thick patches of skin with silvery-white scales on top. These patches often appear red on pale skin, but may look light to dark brown, ashy, or gray on Black skin. The affected areas can feel itchy or painful. Although plaque psoriasis cannot be cured, its symptoms can be managed with creams, ointments, phototherapy, and medication.

Q: How do you get plaque psoriasis? 
A: You can get plaque psoriasis due to an issue with your immune system. Certain factors can trigger the development of symptoms, such as viral infections, the use of certain medications, smoking, alcohol, stress, obesity, and skin injury. 

Q: Does plaque psoriasis spread? 
A: Plaque psoriasis is not contagious, so it can not spread from one person to another. The symptoms may appear in different parts of your body, but that is not because the disease is spreading. 

Q: What is the difference between psoriasis and plaque psoriasis? 
A: Plaque psoriasis is a subtype of psoriasis that causes thick patches of skin with silvery-white scales on top. These patches often appear red on lighter skin, but may look purple, dark brown, or gray on darker skin tones. It is the most common form of psoriasis.

Q: Is plaque psoriasis painful? 
A: Plaque psoriasis can be itchy and painful when you have a flare-up of symptoms. By avoiding your triggers and receiving the appropriate treatment, you can relieve your symptoms and prevent flare-ups. 

Q: Is plaque psoriasis hereditary? 
A: There appears to be a genetic component to plaque psoriasis, as it often runs in families. However, the exact genes involved are still being studied. The condition can also be triggered by various factors such as stress, physical injury, or the use of certain medications.