Plaque Psoriasis
What is plaque psoriasis? Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease which affects a person's skin and joints, namely in that it brings about the appearance of red, scaly patches somewhere on the body. Severity of this disease can vary, from just one small patch of skin to all over the body. The scaly patches are called plaque psoriasis or psoriatic plaques. These are the areas that have high inflammation as well as excessive skin production. These plaques can appear anywhere on the body, from a person's genitals to his scalp, elbows and knees or back.
Why does plaque psoriasis develop? No one knows for sure, but some believe it may be linked to genetics. Doctors have speculated that some factors can increase the likelihood of plaque psoriasis developing. These factors include generally destructive health behavior such as consuming too much alcohol, smoking or living with an abundance of stress. Of course, there is treatment available for plaque psoriasis; however, because of the fact that the disease is chronic and occasionally resistant to some forms of therapy, successful treatment can be a challenge.
A person can be diagnosed with several types of psoriasis including the following:
Plaque psoriasis: The most common type of the disease, which involves raised areas of inflamed skin covered with white scaly skin.
Flexural psoriasis: This type of psoriasis appears as smooth inflamed patches of skin and is commonly found around skin folds and is aggravated by friction and sweat.
Guttate psoriasis: This type of psoriasis sees numerous small round spots develop over large sections of the body. This condition is also linked with streptococcal throat infection.
Pustular psoriasis: This condition is characterized by raised bumps filled with non-infectious pus. The skin that surrounds these bumps is red and tender. Pattern of formation is often random on any given part of the body.
Nail psoriasis: This condition changes the appearance of a person's fingernails or toenails. Changes might include discoloration, pitting, lines going across the nails, a thickening of the skin or a crumbling of the nail.
Psoriatic arthritis: This type of psoriasis mainly involves joint and connective tissue inflammation. Symptoms include swelling of a person's fingers and toes, as well as the hips, knees or spine.
Erythrodermic psoriasis: This type sees the widespread inflammation of the skin over most of a person's body. Other symptoms include itching, swelling and pain. This is the most dangerous form of psoriasis and can be fatal in some circumstances.
Talk to your doctor about possible treatment methods for plaque psoriasis or other types of the disease.