What is plaque psoriasis?
Plaque psoriasis is a skin disease that typically causes raised, red lesions covered with silvery
white scales. These lesions, or "plaques" as they are usually called, can sometimes be itchy or painful, and can even crack and bleed.Plaque psoriasis is a chronic condition, which means it will never truly go away, but you may
notice that there are periods where your skin improves before symptoms return again. When they do return, it’s called a "flare-up."Of the approximately 7.5 million people in the United States with psoriasis,
80% have plaque psoriasis.
What causes
plaque psoriasis?Plaque psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system. Normal skin cells mature and fall off the body in about a month, but the immune system of a person with plaque psoriasis speeds up the skin’s growth cycle, so new skin cells develop in only 3 to 4 days. Instead of falling off, these cells remain on the skin where they form thickened patches (lesions or plaques).
Genetics plays a role
in plaque psoriasisIf you have one parent with plaque psoriasis,
you have a 10% chance of inheriting the disease. If both of your parents have plaque psoriasis, there is a 50% chance that you will have plaque psoriasis as well.Where does plaque psoriasis occur?
Certain things can trigger
a flare-up
Situations or environments that may trigger a plaque psoriasis flare-up include:
- Stress
- Weather
- Skin injury
- Diet
- Certain medications
- Illness/allergies
Although there is no cure for psoriasis, treatment options are available to help you better manage it.