Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects the health of the skin. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of this disease, and is associated with the buildup of dead skin cells that form raised patches, called plaques. Although there is no single cure for plaque psoriasis, your dermatologist in Arlington Heights can help you evaluate your psoriasis treatment options to help you manage your symptoms for greater comfort, confidence, and quality of life.
Symptoms of Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis causes raised patches of skin that develop red and white “scales.” These scales may be small or large, and often cause localized itching. In many cases, plaque psoriasis is diagnosed when patients visit a dermatologist to evaluate a rash that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter solutions. Psoriasis plaques most often form in areas such as the elbows, knees, scalp, face, palms, and lower back; psoriasis-related rashes often look like eczema, but are thicker and more inflamed.
Causes of Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that manifests visible symptoms on the skin. It is a genetic disease that is inherited, but only two to three percent of the population develops psoriasis symptoms. While plaque psoriasis may be dormant most of the time, the development of plaques is triggered by certain factors, which can include stress, skin injuries, certain types of medications, and even dietary or weather conditions. Psoriasis treatment thus focuses on identifying triggers and minimizing their effects on your health, as well as treating plaques when they appear. Your dermatologist may suggest a combination of dietary modifications, medications, and phototherapy treatments to help you manage the symptoms of plaque psoriasis.
Do you have questions about your treatment options for psoriasis, eczema, acne, or rosacea? At Arlington Dermatology, our experienced physicians can help you evaluate your skin care needs and develop a personalized psoriasis treatment plan. We invite you to look through our website for more information on common skin conditions and their treatments, or schedule an appointment today by phone at [company-phone id=1].
