What is plaque psoriasis?

When it comes to this disease, there’s a lot going on under your skin causing what you see on your skin. While the exact cause is unknown, plaque psoriasis is actually an immune disease that is active inside your body but shows up on the outside.

It's hard to predict just where plaque psoriasis will appear on your skin. And, unfortunately, plaque psoriasis is a chronic disease, which means it’s a disease that lasts a long time and will not go away.

It’s important to talk to a dermatologist­—a specialist who treats skin diseases, including plaque psoriasis.

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How does plaque psoriasis develop?

Scientists believe that several factors are involved, including genetics, environment, and the immune system.

Plaque psoriasis occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. The skin cells accumulate, and red, flaky patches appear anywhere on the surface of the skin.

What are the symptoms of plaque psoriasis?

Everybody experiences the symptoms of plaque psoriasis in different ways, which can vary based on the type of psoriasis, as well as the severity. However, common symptoms can include one or more of the following:

  • Reddish, raised areas of inflamed skin
  • Scaly, silver-colored patches in the inflamed areas
  • Cracked, dry skin that may bleed
  • Sore, itchy, or burning skin
  • Small, red spots

What are the treatment options for plaque psoriasis?

Learning about these different options can help you partner with your doctor to find the right treatment for you. Common treatments for plaque psoriasis include:

  • Topicals–creams, ointments, foams, or gels that are applied directly to plaques
  • Phototherapy—a form of light therapy in which UV rays shine directly onto your plaques
  • Systemic medications—taken orally or by injection to work from inside the body, not just on the skin
  • Biologic medications—generally taken by injection, they target certain parts of the immune system

Over 300,000 Patients

Over 300,000 people have chosen to fight their plaque psoriasis with HUMIRA since its FDA approval in 2008.

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