Plaque psoriasis happens to be the most common form of psoriasis and looking at Plaque psoriasis photos it appears as raised, red patches that are covered with a silvery white conglomeration of dead skin cells that look like scales. These patches mostly appear on the knees, scalp, elbows and lower back. They are often times painful, very itchy and can crack and bleed.
Symptoms of plaque psoriasis
If you happen to have a rash that never seems to go away with ordinary over the counter medication then you should consider visiting a doctor. Your doctor will then look for the distinctive plaque psoriasis symptoms, ask you how the rash responds to medication then prescribe the appropriate treatment after diagnosis. [note]Plaque psoriasis is often found on the outside of the elbow and knees, the lower back, the scalp, the face, soles of the feet and the palms.[/note] When psoriasis skin is biopsied, it looks thicker and inflamed when compared to conditions like eczema.
Treatment
The treatments listed for plaque psoriasis may be used alone or in combinations. First, topical treatments with or without the use of steroids are usually the first choice. Prescription topical slow down cell growth and thus reduce inflammation. Phototherapy is also used in plaque psoriasis treatment. It involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet rays regularly but under medical supervision. These treatments are done in the health care provider’s office or even at home if the patient has a phototherapy unit.
The use of systematic medications is also employed in plaque psoriasis treatment.
These are drugs the work throughout the body and they are mostly used by individuals with psoriatic arthritis and those whose symptoms aren’t responding to other treatments. These medications are taken orally, by infusion or injection and can be divided into two categories; biologics and systemic. Take note that no single treatment works for all so the key to bringing it to remission is closely working with a dermatologist.
I am SO miserable and NO ONE can help me! Not even the Mayo Clinic!