What is Plaque Psoriasis? Learn The Warning Signs & How It’s Treated

Plaque psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, starting under the skin. Symptoms can include skin plaques that appear thick, red and scaly, sometimes with a silvery sheen.

Plaque psoriasis isn’t curable, but it can be treated and controlled with treatment.

Common Plaque psoriasis warning signs and symptoms can include:

  • Scalp psoriasis
  • Pitted or thickened nails
  • Red, patchy skin
  • Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
  • Patchy, burning skin
  • Psoriasis-related pain

The most common signs of Plaque psoriasis are plaques on the scalp and nail changes, in fact, up to 50% of adults with psoriasis have nail psoriasis, while up to 80% of adults with psoriasis have scalp psoriasis.

Some forms of plaque psoriasis can also be a sign of psoriatic arthritis, and many people with psoriasis often do develop psoriatic arthritis.

In fact, adults with scalp psoriasis are almost 4 times more likely to develop psoriatic arthritis, while adults with nail psoriasis are 3 times more likely to develop psoriatic arthritis.

How Is Plaque Psoriasis Treated?

Plaque psoriasis is most commonly treated with medications including:

  • Biologics
  • Topicals
  • Phototherapy
  • Oral Treatments

In some cases, changes to your diet may also help reduce flare ups. Keeping a journal can help ID food or drink that causes flare ups.

Alcohol, dairy, citrus fruits, gluten and certain veggies may trigger these flare ups, while foods with anti inflammatory properties may help, including olive oil, oily fish (salmon, sardines) and leafy veggies like kale and spinach.

If you believe you or a loved one are showing the warning signs of Plaque psoriasis, please seek immediate medical help from a dermatologist for an appropriate diagnosis and treatments options.