Plaque Psoriasis
What is plaque psoriasis?1-3
Plaque psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation which may affect your skin and nails. It is the most common type of psoriasis and is characterised by dry, itchy, raised skin patches (plaques) covered with scales.
The plaques may look different depending on skin colour. The number of plaques may vary from person to person, but they generally affect the same areas on the right and left sides. They can appear anywhere on your body, but are more common on your elbows, knees, scalp and back.
Plaque psoriasis is not contagious, so it cannot be spread from person to person.
What causes plaque psoriasis?4
Our body produces skin cells in the deepest layer of skin. These cells move up through the skin layers until they reach the outermost level, where they die and flake off. This process normally takes about 3 to 4 weeks.
In plaque psoriasis, however, skin cells are replaced more quickly than usual and this whole process only takes around 3 to 7 days. As a result, skin cells build up and plaques form on the surface of the skin. Plaque psoriasis seems to run in families – you may be more likely to get plaque psoriasis if you have a close relative with it.
Common triggers for plaque psoriasis include:
- Certain medications such as antimalarial medicines, anti-inflammatory medicines, and ACE inhibitors (used to treat high blood pressure)
- Infections
- Stress
- Injuries to the skin like cuts, burns or insect bites
- Tobacco or alcohol use
- Hormonal changes, particularly in women
- Other immune disorders, such as HIV
What can I do if I have been diagnosed with plaque psoriasis?
Plaque psoriasis can be managed with different therapy options and medication. Your doctor will make a treatment plan for you and provide you with all the necessary information you need. Always take your medication as instructed by your doctor or nurse.
Quick links
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Useful plaque psoriasis links
For more information on plaque psoriasis:
- Visit the NHS’s dedicated web page on psoriasis
- Visit The Psoriasis Association, a leading national charity and membership organisation for people affected by psoriasis in the UK
- Visit The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance
You may also find the following advice helpful:3,5
Use moisturiser regularly, especially after bathing
Avoid harsh soaps
Lower your stress through meditation or exercise and/or see a mental health professional
Stop smoking
Cut down on alcohol and stay within the recommended limits
Exercise regularly and adopt a healthy diet
Take sea salt baths and get sunlight exposure6
Share any concerns or anxieties with your doctor – they understand
the psychological and emotional impact of plaque psoriasis
References
- Uzpruvo SmPC. Last accessed: July 2024.
- National Psoriasis Foundation. October 2022. Plaque psoriasis. Last accessed: July 2024.
- Cleveland Clinic. April 2022. Plaque psoriasis. Last accessed: July 2024.
- National Health Service (NHS). April 2022. Psoriasis – Causes. Last accessed: July 2024.
- National Health Service (NHS). April 2022. Psoriasis – Living with. Last accessed: July 2024.
- Peinemann F et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;5(5):CD011941.
UK-UZPRU-36c | July 2024
