Plaque Psoriasis

About Plaque Psoriasis & Symptoms

In plaque psoriasis, skin lesions are red at the base and covered by silvery scales. Also generally known as classic psoriasis or psoriasis vulgaris. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis, known to be affecting about 80% of people with the disease. People with plaque psoriasis have raised, red, inflamed areas of skin called plaques. Patches of circular to oval shaped red plaques that itch or burn are typical of plaque psoriasis. The patches are generally found on the arms, legs, trunk, or scalp but may be found on any part of the skin. The most typical areas are the knees and elbows. These inflamed plaques of skin are covered by a silver-white build-up called scale. It often re-occurs and its cause is not fully understood, although it is considered to be an autoimmune disease.

Plaque psoriasis is not contagious and can be inherited. Environmental factors such as alcoholism, smoking, sun exposure, and HIV infection may affect how often the plaque psoriasis occurs and how long the flare-ups last.