Plaque Psoriasis

by Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 04/28/2006 at 05:14PM

If you think you may have plaque psoriasis, you are not alone. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of the condition, as approximately eighty percent of people who have psoriasis, suffer from this particular variation. In fact, the scientific name for plaque psoriasis is psoriasis vulgaris, meaning "common psoriasis." If you or a loved one is affected by plaque psoriasis, read on to learn more about this condition including the causes, types, and treatment options that are available.

What Is Plaque Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that is caused when there is a rapid proliferation and accumulation of skin cells. Under normal circumstances, it takes about one month for skin cells to form and work their way up to the surface of the skin. For those who suffer from psoriasis, this process occurs in just a few days. In addition, skin that is affected by psoriasis does not slough off as easily as it should. The result is the development of reddened and inflamed patches or lesions of skin that are covered by silvery scales.

Plaque psoriasis is characterized by large flat patches of skin that are referred to as plaques. It usually begins as small red spots that gradually enlarge into well-defined plaques. These plaques are covered with the typical psoriatic scales. Occasionally, the plaques join together, covering extensive areas of the skin. This often occurs on the torso and limbs.

Skin that is affected by plaque psoriasis tends to be very dry as well as painful, reddened and itchy. Plaque psoriasis is often accompanied by scalp and nail psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis tends to be a relatively persistent or chronic throughout ones life. It can be improved over time with different treatment methods.

What Are The Symptoms of Plaque Psoriasis?

Plaque psoriasis is characterized by the following signs and symptoms:

Red spots or patches that gradually become larger and covered in scales.
Itching, pain and redness at the site of irritation.
Silvery scales that slough off in large quantities revealing a number of small bleeding points on the skin.

Plaque psoriasis frequently progresses into nail psoriasis and/or scalp psoriasis. Outbreaks on the nails may be so severe that the nail thickens and crumbles away. Scalp psoriasis is often confused with dandruff or cradle cap. However, it generally causes thick scales to develop rather than the flakes of dandruff, and the scales are silvery in color compared to the yellowish scales of cradle cap.

Who Gets Plaque Psoriasis?

Plaque psoriasis affects approximately one to two percent of the population in the United States. Psoriasis can affect all races. It affects children as well as adults. And while both men and women develop plaque psoriasis, women are more prone to the disease. This condition usually occurs for the first time in people sixteen to twenty-two years of age. Plaque psoriasis peaks again in those between the ages of fifty-seven and sixty years.

How Is Plaque Psoriasis Treated?

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a cure for plaque psoriasis; however, there are a number of treatment options that can be used to clear up psoriatic flare ups and even reduce their incidence. Psoriasis treatment depends primarily on the type of Psoriasis you have and the severity of it.

What Are The Types of Plaque Psoriasis?

Plaque psoriasis usually follows a characteristic pattern, as described above. However, there are some less common forms of this condition that may require special consideration. These include rupioid psoriasis, lichenified psoriasis, elephantine psoriasis, ostraceous psoriasis, linear psoriasis, and photosensitive psoriasis.

Rupioid psoriasis: This type of plaque psoriasis is characterized by limpet-like lesions of psoriasis that are cone-shaped.
Lichenified psoriasis: Patches of skin that are exposed to excessive rubbing may develop this type of plaque psoriasis where the skin becomes excessively thickened.
Elephantine psoriasis: As its name implies, elephantine psoriasis causes very large patches of psoriasis that are thickly scaled and resistant to most treatment options.
Ostraceous psoriasis: This type of plaque psoriasis has thickly scaled, ring-like areas of skin that resemble an oyster shell.
Linear psoriasis: Linear psoriasis is a form of plaque psoriasis in which the affected skin is arranged in lines along the body
Photosensitive psoriasis: This type of plaque psoriasis develops in areas of the skin that have experienced excessive sun exposure. It occurs most frequently on areas of the face, neck, hands and forearms. Strict sun protection is required for those who suffer from this form of the condition.