Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesCommon TriggersDietDiagnosis and SeverityTreatmentNext in Plaque Psoriasis GuideHow Plaque Psoriasis Is Diagnosed
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Common Triggers
Diet
Diagnosis and Severity
Treatment
Next in Plaque Psoriasis Guide
Plaques can occur anywhere on the body but most commonly develop on the scalp, elbow, knees, and lower back.There is no known cure, but long-lasting remissions are possible.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
Psoriasis vs. Plaque PsoriasisPsoriasisis a chronic condition that occurs when the immune system mistakes healthy skin cells for foreign invaders, causing those cells to multiply too quickly. There are several types of psoriasis, andplaque psoriasisis the most common. Of the people who have psoriasis, 80–90% have plaque psoriasis.
Psoriasis vs. Plaque Psoriasis
Psoriasisis a chronic condition that occurs when the immune system mistakes healthy skin cells for foreign invaders, causing those cells to multiply too quickly. There are several types of psoriasis, andplaque psoriasisis the most common. Of the people who have psoriasis, 80–90% have plaque psoriasis.
Thesigns and symptoms of plaque psoriasiswill vary from person to person based on the severity of the condition. Many people will find that they have the following symptoms:
Individual plaques can measure from 1 centimeter up to several centimeters in diameter, and come together to form larger patches.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoLipowski/ Getty Images
Lipowski/ Getty Images
What Causes Plaque Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is anautoimmune condition. Experts don’t know the exactcause of psoriasis, but both the immune system and genetics are major contributors to development, along with other variables.
Psoriasis can be hereditary. Specific genes make it more likely for someone to develop the condition. However, some people who get psoriasis do not have those genes. In other cases, people with psoriasis genes may never develop the condition.
Plaque Psoriasis Triggers
A psoriasis trigger is something that causes psoriasis to worsen. These periods of worsening psoriasis are calledflare-ups. Common psoriasis triggers include:
Not everyone with psoriasis will have the same triggers. People must find their triggers and work to avoid them to prevent flare-ups.
How Diet Impacts Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes excess inflammation within the body. There is no specificpsoriasis diet, but some studies have shown that diet can improve psoriasis in some people.
Celiac disease tends to be more common in people with psoriasis. People with psoriasis who are also sensitive to gluten may find symptom relief with a gluten-free diet.
Plaque psoriasis isdiagnosedbased on clinical appearance, history, and, if necessary, askin biopsy.
A healthcare provider will examine the skin lesions and, in many cases, determine if the patient has plaque psoriasis. If uncertain, the healthcare provider can take a small skin sample and send it to a lab for a firm diagnosis.
Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI)
The Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) is a scale for assessing and grading the severity of psoriasis and the response to treatment.
The scale uses a score from 0–72. Scores indicate the following severity levels:
The PASI is calculated based on the percentage of body area affected, redness, scaling, and lesion thickness.
The PASI does have its limitations. It does not consider how psoriasis affects a person’squality of life.
Psoriasis ComplicationsThose with psoriasis are at greater risk of developing other conditions, including:Temporary skin discolorationObesityType 2 diabetesHigh blood pressureAnother autoimmune disease (e.g., celiac disease, sclerosis, Crohn’s disease)
Psoriasis Complications
Those with psoriasis are at greater risk of developing other conditions, including:Temporary skin discolorationObesityType 2 diabetesHigh blood pressureAnother autoimmune disease (e.g., celiac disease, sclerosis, Crohn’s disease)
Those with psoriasis are at greater risk of developing other conditions, including:
Plaque psoriasis treatmentcan require both over-the-counter therapies and prescriptions. Severaltreatment optionsinclude:
Preparing for a Psoriasis AppointmentWhen visiting a healthcare provider, be prepared to give a completehealth historyand any family history of psoriasis. Provide a list of any medications, supplements, andvitaminsyou are taking. If you suspect any specific triggers be sure to mention those as well.
Preparing for a Psoriasis Appointment
When visiting a healthcare provider, be prepared to give a completehealth historyand any family history of psoriasis. Provide a list of any medications, supplements, andvitaminsyou are taking. If you suspect any specific triggers be sure to mention those as well.
Self-Care and Prevention
Psoriasis self-carewill look different for each person. This may include managing triggers likestresswith relaxation or meditation.
Though psoriasis can’t be prevented, reducing exposure to triggers, taking any prescribed medications, and following a healthy diet can reduce episodes.
Does Plaque Psoriasis Ever Go Away?
There is no known cure forpsoriasis.However, people with plaque psoriasis go through periods when the rash improves or goes away.
Treatment can be very successful at dramatically minimizing or eliminating symptoms. Work with a healthcare provider to find the right treatment plan to obtain the best results.
What Happens if Psoriasis Is Left Untreated?
The systemic inflammation that causespsoriasis can affect multiple organsbesides the skin. If left untreated, the inflammation can gradually spread and trigger changes in the nails, joints, eyes, brain, kidneys, heart, pancreas, and blood vessels.
Early treatment of psoriasis can help to control inflammation and prevent or delay further medical complications like:
Summary
Plaque psoriasis is one type of psoriasis. It is an autoimmune condition that causes raised, red skin lesions covered with white or silver dry skin scales. There is no cure but, with treatment and lifestyle management, long periods of improvement or remission are achievable for many people.
Treatment varies from person to person but typically involves a prescription medication or topical cream. Avoiding things that cause psoriasis to worsen and following a healthcare provider’s treatment plan can help relieve symptoms.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: signs and symptoms.Walter K.Psoriasis.JAMA. 2022;327(19):1936-1936. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.5270American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: causes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Are triggers causing your psoriasis flare-ups?Zanesco S, Hall W, Gibson R, Griffiths C, Maruthappu T.Approaches to nutrition intervention in plaque psoriasis, a multi-system inflammatory disease-The Diet and Psoriasis Project (DIEPP).Nutr Bull. 2022;47(4):524-537. doi:10.1111/nbu.12580Bhatia BK, Millsop JW, Debbaneh M, et al.Diet and psoriasis: part II. Celiac disease and role of a gluten-free diet.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;71(2):350-358. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2014.03.017Ford AR, Siegel M, Bagel J, et al.Dietary recommendations for adults with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis from the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation: a systematic review.JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(8):934. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.1412Appendix 5 - Validity of outcome measures.CADTH Canadian Drug Expert Committee Recommendation: Guselkumab (Tremfya — Janssen Inc.): Indication: For the treatment of adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; February 2018.Ogdie A, Weiss P.The Epidemiology of Psoriatic Arthritis.Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2015;41(4):545-68. doi:10.1016/j.rdc.2015.07.001Lopez-Candales A, Hernández Burgos PM, Hernandez-Suarez DF, Harris D.Linking Chronic Inflammation with Cardiovascular Disease: From Normal Aging to the Metabolic Syndrome.J Nat Sci. 2017;3(4):e341.Chiesa fuxench ZC, Shin DB, Ogdie beatty A, Gelfand JM.The Risk of Cancer in Patients With Psoriasis: A Population-Based Cohort Study in the Health Improvement Network.JAMA Dermatol. 2016;152(3):282-90. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2015.4847
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: signs and symptoms.Walter K.Psoriasis.JAMA. 2022;327(19):1936-1936. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.5270American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: causes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Are triggers causing your psoriasis flare-ups?Zanesco S, Hall W, Gibson R, Griffiths C, Maruthappu T.Approaches to nutrition intervention in plaque psoriasis, a multi-system inflammatory disease-The Diet and Psoriasis Project (DIEPP).Nutr Bull. 2022;47(4):524-537. doi:10.1111/nbu.12580Bhatia BK, Millsop JW, Debbaneh M, et al.Diet and psoriasis: part II. Celiac disease and role of a gluten-free diet.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;71(2):350-358. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2014.03.017Ford AR, Siegel M, Bagel J, et al.Dietary recommendations for adults with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis from the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation: a systematic review.JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(8):934. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.1412Appendix 5 - Validity of outcome measures.CADTH Canadian Drug Expert Committee Recommendation: Guselkumab (Tremfya — Janssen Inc.): Indication: For the treatment of adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; February 2018.Ogdie A, Weiss P.The Epidemiology of Psoriatic Arthritis.Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2015;41(4):545-68. doi:10.1016/j.rdc.2015.07.001Lopez-Candales A, Hernández Burgos PM, Hernandez-Suarez DF, Harris D.Linking Chronic Inflammation with Cardiovascular Disease: From Normal Aging to the Metabolic Syndrome.J Nat Sci. 2017;3(4):e341.Chiesa fuxench ZC, Shin DB, Ogdie beatty A, Gelfand JM.The Risk of Cancer in Patients With Psoriasis: A Population-Based Cohort Study in the Health Improvement Network.JAMA Dermatol. 2016;152(3):282-90. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2015.4847
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: signs and symptoms.Walter K.Psoriasis.JAMA. 2022;327(19):1936-1936. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.5270American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: causes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Are triggers causing your psoriasis flare-ups?Zanesco S, Hall W, Gibson R, Griffiths C, Maruthappu T.Approaches to nutrition intervention in plaque psoriasis, a multi-system inflammatory disease-The Diet and Psoriasis Project (DIEPP).Nutr Bull. 2022;47(4):524-537. doi:10.1111/nbu.12580Bhatia BK, Millsop JW, Debbaneh M, et al.Diet and psoriasis: part II. Celiac disease and role of a gluten-free diet.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;71(2):350-358. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2014.03.017Ford AR, Siegel M, Bagel J, et al.Dietary recommendations for adults with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis from the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation: a systematic review.JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(8):934. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.1412Appendix 5 - Validity of outcome measures.CADTH Canadian Drug Expert Committee Recommendation: Guselkumab (Tremfya — Janssen Inc.): Indication: For the treatment of adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; February 2018.Ogdie A, Weiss P.The Epidemiology of Psoriatic Arthritis.Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2015;41(4):545-68. doi:10.1016/j.rdc.2015.07.001Lopez-Candales A, Hernández Burgos PM, Hernandez-Suarez DF, Harris D.Linking Chronic Inflammation with Cardiovascular Disease: From Normal Aging to the Metabolic Syndrome.J Nat Sci. 2017;3(4):e341.Chiesa fuxench ZC, Shin DB, Ogdie beatty A, Gelfand JM.The Risk of Cancer in Patients With Psoriasis: A Population-Based Cohort Study in the Health Improvement Network.JAMA Dermatol. 2016;152(3):282-90. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2015.4847
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: signs and symptoms.
Walter K.Psoriasis.JAMA. 2022;327(19):1936-1936. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.5270
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: causes.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Are triggers causing your psoriasis flare-ups?
Zanesco S, Hall W, Gibson R, Griffiths C, Maruthappu T.Approaches to nutrition intervention in plaque psoriasis, a multi-system inflammatory disease-The Diet and Psoriasis Project (DIEPP).Nutr Bull. 2022;47(4):524-537. doi:10.1111/nbu.12580
Bhatia BK, Millsop JW, Debbaneh M, et al.Diet and psoriasis: part II. Celiac disease and role of a gluten-free diet.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;71(2):350-358. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2014.03.017
Ford AR, Siegel M, Bagel J, et al.Dietary recommendations for adults with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis from the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation: a systematic review.JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(8):934. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.1412
Appendix 5 - Validity of outcome measures.CADTH Canadian Drug Expert Committee Recommendation: Guselkumab (Tremfya — Janssen Inc.): Indication: For the treatment of adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; February 2018.
Ogdie A, Weiss P.The Epidemiology of Psoriatic Arthritis.Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2015;41(4):545-68. doi:10.1016/j.rdc.2015.07.001
Lopez-Candales A, Hernández Burgos PM, Hernandez-Suarez DF, Harris D.Linking Chronic Inflammation with Cardiovascular Disease: From Normal Aging to the Metabolic Syndrome.J Nat Sci. 2017;3(4):e341.
Chiesa fuxench ZC, Shin DB, Ogdie beatty A, Gelfand JM.The Risk of Cancer in Patients With Psoriasis: A Population-Based Cohort Study in the Health Improvement Network.JAMA Dermatol. 2016;152(3):282-90. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2015.4847
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