Plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune condition that manifests as red, scaly patches on the skin. It is the most common form of psoriasis, affecting about 80 to 90 percent of people with the condition.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of plaque psoriasis is the development of red, raised patches of skin covered with silvery scales. These patches, or plaques, can be itchy and painful. They are most commonly found on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, but can appear anywhere on the body.

Causes

The exact cause of plaque psoriasis is unknown, but it is believed to be related to an immune system problem with T cells and other white blood cells, called neutrophils, in the body. In people with psoriasis, T cells attack healthy skin cells by mistake, as if to heal a wound or to fight an infection.

Diagnosis

Plaque psoriasis is typically diagnosed by a physical examination of the skin. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be taken to rule out other skin disorders.

Treatment

Treatment for plaque psoriasis can include topical treatments, light therapy, and systemic medications. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and to slow the growth of skin cells.

See also

• Psoriasis
• T cells
• Skin biopsy

References

Plaque psoriasis Resources
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