Doctor's Notes on Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is a systemic disease of the skin that produces plaques (elevated skin abnormalities). Signs and symptoms start out as small scaly red bumps that come together and form elevated skin areas (plaques) with a pinkish-reddish base and scaly skin that may be a whitish color. The plaques are often itchy. Although any skin area may be involved, it occurs most often in patches on the elbows, knees, and scalp.
The exact cause is unknown. The disease is thought to be the result of genetics and environmental problems that allow some factor to trigger the disease.
What Are the Treatments of Plaque Psoriasis?
Treatments of plaque psoriasis may include one or more of the following with examples:
- Topical skin medications
- Light therapy: ultraviolet light to treat skin plaques
- Systemic drugs (oral or IV drugs)
- Biologic drugs
- Adalimumab
- Etanercept
- Risankizumab-rzaa
- Ustekinumab
You and your doctors can design treatments that best fit to treat your disease.
Psoriasis : Test Your Medical IQ Quiz
QuestionPsoriasis causes the top layer of skin cells to become inflamed and grow too quickly and flake off.
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
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Guttate Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that looks like small, salmon-pink drops on the skin. The word guttate is derived from the Latin word gutta, meaning drop. Other symptoms and signs include nail changes and itchy drop-like lesions. This type of psoriasis usually resolves on its own in a few weeks. More resistant cases may benefit from PUVA therapy. -
How Does Psoriasis Start Out?
I’ve recently noticed some patches of dry skin on my arms. Some people in my family have psoriasis and I’m afraid I may have the disease. How does psoriasis start out? -
How Serious Is Psoriatic Arthritis?
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Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common and chronic skin disorder caused by inflammation that affects 1%-2% of people in the U.S. There are several different types of psoriasis. Clinical types of psoriasis include pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis, or guttate psoriasis. Psoriasis is typically found on the knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp. Symptoms and signs include red, raised, scaly areas on the skin that may itch or burn. Treatment may involve topical therapy, phototherapy, and medication. -
Psoriasis Medications
There are a number of good treatment options to control the skin lesions of psoriasis. Topical agents are practical when treating localized disease. Phototherapy should be considered if the disease covers more than 5%-10% of the total body surface area. Systemic agents should be started only after both topical treatment and phototherapy have been carefully considered. -
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a specific autoimmune condition in which a person has both psoriasis and arthritis. Some psoriatic arthritis symptoms and signs include scaly red skin on certain areas of the body, nail changes, eye inflammation, iritis, and inflammation of the muscles and tendons where they connect to the bone. There are a variety of psoriatic arthritis types. The goal of psoriatic arthritis treatment medications and lifestyle changes is to control inflammation. -
Pustular Psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis is an uncommon form of psoriasis. People with pustular psoriasis have clearly defined, raised bumps on the skin that are filled with pus (pustules). Treatment incorporates topical therapy and systemic therapy. -
Types of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic disease of the skin that affects approximately 5.5 million people in the United States. Typical characteristics of psoriasis are red, dry, patches of skin and inflammation. -
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red raised patches of skin covered with silvery thick scales. Environmental factors and injuries may trigger psoriasis flare-ups. -
What’s the Best Thing to Put on Psoriasis?
I’ve gotten all sorts of recommendations for topical medications for my psoriasis, but there are so many kinds, I’m sort of at a loss. What’s the best thing to put on psoriasis?
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.