What is Plaque Psoriasis and How to Treat It?
Skin flakiness and scale formation are symptoms of the skin disorder psoriasis. The patches may seem pink or red and the scales may be white or silvery on skin that is dark, black, or white.
Plaques are elevated red spots surrounded by scale, a white deposit of dead skin cells. They can appear anywhere, but they often do on your scalp, lower back, elbows, and knees. Plaques frequently sting or irritate. On dark or Black skin, the afflicted skin may recover with transient color changes (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
Nail psoriasis, which can manifest as discoloration, pitting, or detachment of the nail from the nail bed, is frequently accompanied by plaque psoriasis.
Who is affected by plaque psoriasis?
Anyone can get plaque psoriasis. However, the following may increase your risk of developing plaque psoriasis:
- being white
- ingest alcohol
- feel depressed or stressed
- have a family member who has psoriasis
- possess obesity
- Use tobacco or smoke a cigarette
- Take drugs only sometimes
Why does plaque psoriasis develop?
An issue with the immune system is plaque psoriasis. Your immune system overreacts, which results in inflammation and too-rapid cell growth in a new skin.
Every 28 to 30 days, new skin cells typically develop. However, if you have plaque psoriasis, fresh skin cells appear on the surface of your skin every three to four days. Plaques are produced when a buildup of young cells replaces aging ones.
Plaque psoriasis runs in families, thus a genetic factor may be involved. Children may inherit it from their parents.
Symptoms of Plaque Psoriasis
Psoriasis symptoms vary from person to person, but some typical ones include:
- The elbows, knees, scalp, trunk, palms, and soles of the feet are the most common locations for these itchy or painful patches of thick, red skin with silvery-white scales.
- Skin that is dry, cracked, and bleeds or itches.
- nails with thick ridges and pits.
- Psoriatic arthritis, a similar illness that causes painful, swollen, stiff joints, affects certain people. Psoriatic arthritis is one of the most harmful types of arthritis, therefore it's critical to consult a doctor as soon as you notice any symptoms.
Psoriasis symptoms can come and go. There may be periods when your symptoms worsen, known as flares, and then there may be periods when you feel better.
Treatment Options for Plaque Psoriasis
Your doctor might suggest seeing a skin expert if your symptoms are especially severe or are not improving with therapy (dermatologist).
Psoriasis treatments come in a variety of forms, but choosing the best one can be challenging. If you believe therapy is not working or you are experiencing unpleasant side effects, speak with your doctor.
There are three types of treatments:
- topical refers to skin-applied lotions and ointments.
- Phototherapy involves exposing your skin to certain forms of UV radiation.
- Systemic drugs, such as those administered orally or intravenously, function throughout the entire body.
When to See a Doctor
Because of this, the Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board advises consulting a physician if you have any of the following signs or symptoms: One or more joints, notably the fingers or toes, may experience swelling, discomfort, or stiffness. Ankle, foot, or lower back discomfort or soreness. Warmth to the touch in the joints
