Psoriasis Vulgaris commonly referred to as plaque psoriasis, is the most prevalent type of psoriasis. 9 out of 10 people with psoriasis suffer from this particular type of skin condition. The areas that are often the targets of Plaque psoriasis are elbows, lower back, knees, and scalp.
Plaque Psoriasis Symptoms
Typically, plaque psoriasis develops as large patches of raised, red skin with silvery white dead skin cells. These patches that are flaky and scaly in texture are referred to as “plaques.” Although these usually appear on knees, elbows, scalp, and lower back, no area of the body is off limits. Itching, swelling, burning, and pain are some other typical symptoms of the condition.
In patients with severe cases, plaque psoriasis can lead to psoriatic erythroderma. Psoriatic erythroderma causes an all-encompassing inflammation on the body and extreme pain, and it can even be fatal without treatment. Admittedly, most cases of plaque psoriasis are not this severe, but it is crucial to consult with a doctor and get the treatment needed if you are experiencing any of these symptoms to get a handle on the situation.
Plaque Psoriasis Treatment
Though there is no cure for plaque psoriasis, early diagnosis helps matters immeasurably. If you experience any Plaque Psoriasis symptoms, talk with your physician to find out whether you need a referral to a dermatologist. Dermatologists specialize in many treatment options to help patients manage the symptoms of Plaque Psoriasis.
Treatments are usually patient specific, depending on how severe their case is. Over-the-counter topical meds and ointments do also sometimes help enough to manage psoriasis. Another common treatment option is phototherapy, which entails the use of UV light. Unfortunately, phototherapy and topical treatments do not have enough strength to battle some resistant cases of the condition, but there are still alternatives to these like injections and oral medications. Consulting with a specialist to pin down the most effective treatment method is key.
Plaque Psoriasis Prognosis
Since psoriasis is a life-long affliction, it can inevitably have an impact on the overall quality of people’s lives. Individuals with mild cases usually manage their symptoms easily, but this is not the case for everyone. There are cases where the condition is severe enough to affect one’s self-care, sleep, and productivity negatively. Psoriasis lesions can also be detrimental on one’s self-esteem and self-confidence, which is why depression is quite common among patients.
However, treatment methods for the condition are continuously advancing, so staying positive and diligently following the doctor’s orders are the most important factors. If you are showing symptoms but have not consulted a physician for whatever reason, remember that psoriasis is very common and fairly manageable. The sooner you get a diagnosis and put on a treatment plan, the faster your symptoms alleviate and even disappear.
Photo: Depositphotos/© thodonal