Signs And Symptoms Of Plaque Psoriasis

Can Psoriasis Lead To Other Health Complications

Having psoriasis could put you at risk for developing other medical conditions.

Your skin plays a vital role in regulating body temperature, providing hydration, and protecting against infection.

When skin disorders such as psoriasis affect the body, certain changes take place that may lead to additional problems.

Doctors arent sure if the risk of developing other conditions is solely related to the disease itself or if psoriasis treatment also plays a role.

According to the NPF, about 10 to 30 percent of people with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis, which is a form of psoriasis that affects the joints.

People with psoriatic arthritis suffer from painful, swollen joints and other symptoms.

You can develop psoriatic arthritis any time, but it most commonly appears between age 30 and 50.

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can increase your risk of developing the following health problems:

Cardiovascular Disease Youre more likely to have this condition if you have severe forms of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. In fact, individuals with severe psoriasis are 58 percent more likely to have a major cardiac event and 43 percent more likely to have a stroke, according to the NPF. Some research shows that treating psoriasis may help lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Liver Problems People with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis may have an increased risk for developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition where too much fat is stored in liver cells.

Is There A Test For Psoriasis

To see if you have psoriasis, your doctor usually examines your skin, scalp, and nails for signs of the condition. They may also ask questions about your health and history.

This information can help the doctor figure out if you have psoriasis, and, if so, identify which type. To rule out other skin conditions that look like psoriasis, your doctor may take a small skin sample to look at under a microscope.

Plaque Psoriasis Can Change Over Time

Because plaque psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder, it can cause a host of different signs and symptoms each time it flares up. While the most obvious signs of this condition appear on your skin in the form of uncomfortable plaques, its also important to keep an eye on changes that happen to your skin as well as your overall health.

If youre noticing some of the signs mentioned here, make sure to visit your doctor to find out if plaque psoriasis is the condition youre living with. Staying informed and making sure you know the signs of plaque psoriasis will help you catch any of these symptoms as soon as they appear.

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Reduced Range Of Motion

One possible sign of PsA is a reduced range of motion in your joints. You might find it harder to extend your arms, bend your knees, or bend forward.

You may also have problems using your fingers effectively. This can lead to problems for people who work with their hands in any way, including typing and drawing.

When the joint becomes permanently fixed or unable to move beyond a certain point, its known as a contracture deformity. This can lead to complications such as:

• Dupuytrens contracture, a thickening of the tissue layer beneath the skin in the hands and wrist
• Volkmanns contracture, or lack of blood flow to the forearm that causes muscle shortening

Prevention involves range of motion exercises prescribed by a doctor or done with a physical therapist.

Fatigue is a common symptom in people with PsA. You may begin to have difficulty making it through the day without taking a nap.

According to a , up to 50 percent of people with skin conditions report having moderate to severe fatigue, while 25 percent experience severe levels of fatigue.

In the case of PsA, fatigue may be due to symptoms or complications like:

• inflammation

Symptoms Of Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate is a temporary type of psoriasis that often clears up on its own in a few weeks, although its possible to have it chronically.

It causes scaly, tiny, flesh-colored bumps that cover your chest, legs, and arms. The bumps can also sometimes spread to your legs, face, scalp, and ears.

This type of psoriasis is often seen in children and young adults whove recently had strep throat or another infection, according to

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Plaque Psoriasis And Its Reach: The Scalp And Beyond

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, at least 50 percent of people with plaque psoriasis will experience a bout of scalp psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis on the scalp may require different treatment than plaque psoriasis on other parts of the body.

Medicated ointments, shampoos, and careful removal of scales can help treat scalp psoriasis. Sometimes, systemic medications must be used to clear plaque psoriasis on the scalp.

What You Can Do

Most people who get plaque psoriasis have it for the rest of their lives. You can do a few things to deal with it better:

Avoid triggers. Things like stress and smoking dont cause psoriasis. But they can make it worse. Try to figure out what triggers your flare-ups. You may be affected by:

• Alcohol

American Academy of Dermatology: Psoriasis.

Medscape: FDA OKs Biologic Guselkumab for Plaque Psoriasis.Plaque Psoriasis.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Psoriasis.

National Psoriasis Foundation.

UpToDate: Treatment of psoriasis.

Weigle, N., American Family Physician, May 2013.

Bruce E. Strober, MD, PhD. associate director of Dermatopharmacology, Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine co-director of the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Center consultant for Amgen, Biogen, Genentech, Fujisawa, and 3-M.

Jeffrey M. Weinberg, MD, director of the Clinical Research Center, St. Lukes-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York City assistant clinical professor of dermatology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons consultant for Amgen and Genentech.

Abel, E. Dermatology III: Psoriasis, ACP Medicine, April, 2005.

• Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Knowing which kind of psoriasis you have helps you and your doctor make a treatment plan. Most people have only one type at a time. Sometimes, after your symptoms go away, a new form of psoriasis will crop up in response to a trigger.

• Diet
• Weather

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Plaque Psoriasis And The Geography Of The Body

The distribution of psoriasis patches on the body can appear randomly. Some patches may cover large portions of the body, while others may be no larger than a dime.

Once a person has developed psoriasis, it may appear in a number of different forms in many different places. Unlike inverse psoriasis, plaque psoriasis doesnt usually affect the genitals and armpits.

Is It Scalp Psoriasis Or Dandruff

More than half of all psoriasis patients have scalp psoriasis, according to the NPF. Itchy plaques can extend beyond the hairline onto the forehead, neck, and around the ears.

Most people with scalp psoriasis have it on other parts of their body as well, says Dina D. Strachan, MD, a dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City.

Scalp psoriasis is sometimes confused with seborrheic dermatitis, or dandruff. According to Dr. Strachan, dandruff which causes a flaky, itchy scalp without signs of inflammation tends to itch more than scalp psoriasis. It has a greasy-appearing yellow scale, Strachan says. In contrast, psoriasis whether its on your scalp or any other body part tends to have a thick, silvery scale.

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The Early Signs Of Plaque Psoriasis

Skin issues and changes are common, but sometimes what looks like nothing more than a little patch of redness or a bit of dry skin can really be a sign of something more serious. And it could be that your skin issues are actually a condition affecting your entire body and health.

Thats the case with plaque psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that initially appears to be a skin disorder. Psoriasis affects you far below the surface of your skin, causing inflammation and other serious health issues and 7.5 million people in the U.S. live with it daily¹.

Patches Of Plaque Psoriasis

The most commonly affected parts of the body include the elbows, knees, and scalp. Most people with plaque psoriasis will develop patches in these areas. But some will also have psoriasis patches on other areas of the body.

The location of plaque psoriasis can change as patches heal. New patches may appear in different locations during future attacks. Plaque psoriasis affects everyone differently. No two people will experience the same symptoms.

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Pervasive Plaque Psoriasis Covering The Body

In some cases, plaque psoriasis can be very severe. It may cover the majority of the body. Plaque psoriasis of this severity can be uncomfortable, and even dangerous, if it becomes infected or progresses to other forms of psoriasis.

Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis can be treated effectively with different types of therapy, including biologics. Severe cases will often require a specialized treatment plan developed with a dermatologist. Prescription systemic medications may also be necessary.

What Are Other Types Of Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type. About 80% to 90% of people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis.

Other, less common types of psoriasis include:

• Inverse psoriasis appears in skin folds. It may look like thin pink plaques without scale.
• Guttate psoriasis may appear after a sore throat caused by a streptococcal infection. It looks like small, red, drop-shaped scaly spots in children and young adults.
• Pustular psoriasis has small, pus-filled bumps on top of the red patches or plaques.
• Sebopsoriasis typically appears on the face and scalp as red bumps and plaques with greasy yellow scale. This type is a cross between psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.

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Are There Complications Of Psoriasis

In some people, psoriasis causes more than itchiness and red skin. It can lead to swollen joints and arthritis. If you have psoriasis, you may be at higher risk of:

• Use medicated shampoo for scales on your scalp.

Other steps you should take to stay as healthy as possible:

• Talk to your healthcare provider about lowering your risk for related conditions, such as heart disease, depression and diabetes.
• Lower your stress with meditation, exercise or seeing a mental health professional.

An Itching Or Burning Feeling On The Skin

Although psoriasis patches arent usually irritating, some people do report itchiness. People who have psoriasis of the scalp can report its very itchy or dry, says Anthony Rossi, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologic surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.

The itching and pain can interfere with basic daily activities including self-care, sleep, and even walking.

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What Is Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis, which is recognizable due to the scaly plaques it produces on the skin, is the most common type of psoriasis. An estimated 80 to 90 percent of people with psoriasis develop plaques.

Some people will have more than one type of psoriasis. People who have plaque psoriasis may later develop other forms of the condition, such as psoriatic arthritis.

Usually, the turnover of peoples skin cells takes 21 to 28 days. In people with psoriasis, the body attacks healthy skin cells, so new cells develop every 4 to 7 days.

Psoriasis damages patches of skin, leaving areas of redness and irritation. This damage causes the skin to appear scaly and gray and to peel off.

Plaque psoriasis is not an infection, and it is not contagious. However, irritated patches of psoriasis can become infected.

In some people, an infection or injury to the skin can trigger an outbreak of psoriasis. People experiencing their first psoriasis flare-up may mistake their symptoms for an allergic reaction or skin infection.

Different Type Of Psoriasis

There are 7 main types of psoriasis: plaque, inverse, pustular, guttate, and erythrodermic

• Plaque Psoriasis: The most common type, plaque psoriasis, affects 90% of people with the disease. Plaque Psoriasis covers the body with red scaly patches that may look like silvery scales. It is usually itchy. The patches vary in size and sometimes occur on both sides of the body. These plaques are typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet.

• Inverse Psoriasis: Inverse psoriasis can cause bright red patches on skin covered with silvery scales.

• Pustular psoriasis: Pustular psoriasis is a type of psoriasis thats more common in adults than children. It occurs when the bodys immune system attacks healthy skin cells, causing red, swollen patches covered with thick blisters called pustules. Pustular psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body but is most common on the scalp, trunk, and limbs.

• Guttatepsoriasis: Skin changes are common in children, especially during the ages 2 to 16. It affects 1 % of all children between the ages of 4 and 16. Most of them will recover by adulthood.

• Erythrodermic psoriasis: Erythrodermic psoriasis covers the entire skin surface in red plaques. It causes the skin to become very red and bumpy and causes itching and burning sensations.

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When To See A Healthcare Provider

Psoriasis is not a medical emergency. However, you should see your healthcare provider if your symptoms are not improving as expected with treatment.

Plaque Psoriasis Healthcare Provider Discussion Guid

Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.

Psoriasis is not an infection. It is not contagious, and you cannot spread it to others.

People with psoriasis may be more likely to get skin infections like cellulitis, especially if their skin is actively irritated. People taking certain types of psoriasis medications are also more likely to get some kinds of infections. Call your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of an infection, like skin warmth, swelling, or a fever.

Some people with plaque psoriasis may have a higher risk of skin cancer, particularly after extensive exposure to PUVA light therapy treatments. See your healthcare provider promptly if you notice any skin changes unlike your normal pattern of psoriasis.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare type of psoriasis, diagnosed in roughly 3 percent of people with the disease. It is a particularly inflammatory form of psoriasis that affects most of the body, and it can occur in association with pustular psoriasis. Its symptoms include:

• Skin that looks burned
• Severe pain

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Psoriatic Arthritis Signs And Symptoms

Early symptoms with psoriatic arthritis are important. People will complain of pain and swelling in their joints hands, feet, wrists, etc. They may have a small patch of psoriasis or have psoriasis covering many areas of the body. There may be complaints of stiffness and fatigue. For example, studies in Toronto showed the year before they were diagnosed, people had reported joint pain, fatigue, and stiffness. Early in the disease, people will often have episodes of worsening of the psoriatic arthritis and then episodes of improvement.

What’s The Difference Between Psoriasis And Plaque Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic immune disease that usually causes a skin rash, and can also affect the nails. Plaque psoriasis is a type of skin psoriasis characterized by reddish, elevated, solid skin patches that are covered by flaky scales. It is the most common type of psoriasis. Up to 80% of people who have psoriasis have the plaque psoriasis variety.

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Possible To Get Rid Of The Problem

The best way to get rid of this disease is by making your immune system stronger. You have to eat different types of nutritious food so that your immune setup becomes stronger which in turn can help you to get rid of the problems caused by psoriasis.

Even at home, it is possible to get rid of the problem to a great extent.

• One way to prevent psoriasis is by avoiding hot tubs, saunas, pool baths, and similar hot spots.
• Sit in the sun for 15 to 20 minutes every day to help relieve Psoriasis.
• Use Vaseline 2 to 3 times a day.
• T-oil should be used
• Take care drinking alcohol gently and Avoid smoking completely
• Apple cider vinegar is an anti-bacterial.
• Raw papaya.
• Ingredients in raw papaya help to cure the infection.
• If you want to use some natural treatment for psoriasis, the experts recommend eating as many as possible vegetables and fruits such as carrot juice, lima beans, and lots of fruits and green vegetables.
• All of these ingredients can help prevent dehydration by compensating for dehydration and removing heat from the liver.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis is the second most common type of psoriasis, affecting roughly 10 percent of people who have the disease, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation .

This type of psoriasis may clear up without any treatment, but it sometimes requires medical attention. It may appear for a single episode, typically following an illness like strep throat, or it may signal the start of plaque psoriasis.

The typical symptoms of guttate psoriasis include:

• Small, red spots that are most common on the trunk, arms, and legs, but can show up anywhere on your body
• Spots that clear up in a few weeks or months without treatment

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What Does Psoriasis Look Like Generally

A quick summary: Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects about 2-3% of the population. It can cover a small part of your body or emerge as a full-body condition, depending on the type. It can appear in areas that are exposed or unexposed . In its most common form, you develop thick, red, scaly patches of skin called plaques. They can look silvery and can itch, like, whoa.