Plaque psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects nearly 3% of the population in the United States. Approximately 125 million people worldwide suffer from some type of psoriasis. However, plaque psoriasis is by far the most common type, accounting for nearly 90% of total cases. This disease causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches and there is currently no cure for this condition. Let’s discuss this disease in further detail.
Plaque Psoriasis: A Chronic Condition
Plaque psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that tends to flare up in cycles. These flare-ups can last a few weeks to a few months. Symptoms often subside for a time, but then they return, and the cycle continues. People suffering from plaque psoriasis often experience pain in the affected areas and have difficulty sleeping. These rashes are commonly found on a person’s knees, elbows, scalp, and back. However, they can occur anywhere on the body.
Symptoms
Causing a lot of pain and discomfort, the main symptom of this disease is the plaques themselves. These can vary in color depending on your skin tone but are typically red, purple, brown, or gray. They are often oval-shaped and are covered with a scaly white or silver layer. Interestingly, these plaques often appear on both sides of your body in the same spot. For instance, if you have them on one knee, you are likely to also have them on the other knee. Other symptoms that accompany the flare-ups of this disease include the affected area itching and bleeding. It is also common for the skin to crack, burn, or sting.
Since this condition is an autoimmune disease, the person’s overreactive immune system attacks the healthy cells in the person’s own body. In this case, their immune system attacks their skin cells, causing a rash and inflammation. Then, a rapid growth of new skin cells occurs. This abundance of skin cells builds up and creates thick patches.
Causes and Triggers
Plaque psoriasis is hereditary. Approximately 25% of people suffering from this condition have a relative or relatives who also have it. However, although you are born with the genetic predisposition to develop it, this type of psoriasis is often triggered by something. Common triggers include a skin injury, dry skin, sunburn, drinking alcohol, stress, and taking certain medications.
The Diagnosis
A dermatologist can often diagnose plaque psoriasis just by looking at your skin, but this is not always the case. Because the rash can sometimes resemble eczema and other skin conditions, your doctor may choose to do a biopsy. Your skin cells will then be examined under a microscope to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Your physician may also choose to do blood work or allergy tests to rule out other possible causes of the rash. They will also likely ask questions about your family’s medical history to determine whether or not this condition runs in your family.
Treatments
Since plaque psoriasis cannot be cured, the goal of treatment is to alleviate the patient’s symptoms by reducing the frequency and severity of their flare-ups. Mild cases of this skin disease are often treated with prescription topical creams, lotions, or gels. Over-the-counter antihistamines are also often used to help with itching.
In moderate to severe cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe pills or injections. One medication they may prescribe is methotrexate, which can be taken orally or injected. Another type of treatment used is phototherapy. This type of treatment uses ultraviolet light waves on the skin and can sometimes help with scaling and inflammation. Other treatments are available as well.
The Cleveland Clinic recommends moisturizing your skin regularly if you have this condition. They suggest using coconut oil, as this is a great way to keep your skin hydrated. These professionals also recommend adding dead sea salt to your bath water. Warm water, about 95 degrees Fahrenheit, is best. Also suggested is to wear loose clothing to allow your affected areas to breathe.
Links To Mental Health Issues
According to the National Library of Medicine, plaque psoriasis is often linked with mental health issues. One of the reasons is that patients are often embarrassed by their condition, which can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. They also tend to isolate themselves because they do not want to be seen in social settings. Their lives are often greatly affected by this disease to the point of reducing their quality of life. Also, this condition is often stigmatized and thought to be contagious when this is simply not the case.
A study conducted by The National Library of Medicine shows other evidence that a relationship exists between psoriasis and depression. They explain that a vitamin D3 deficiency is one of the links. Low serum concentrations of this vitamin seemingly play a role in the pathogenesis of both psoriasis and depression. Melatonin levels also play a role in connecting these conditions. Low levels of melatonin are often found in patients with skin diseases. When these levels were normalized, the patient’s level of depression was often reduced. This was in addition to the reduction in the severity of their psoriatic lesions.
Other Comorbidities
Some other conditions that occur in people with plaque psoriasis include psoriatic arthritis, sexual dysfunction, and obesity. Having this disease is also linked to an increased risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, sleep apnea, and COPD. However, many of these comorbidities are only associated with severe cases of plaque psoriasis.
Final Thoughts
Many people around the world suffer from plaque psoriasis. Because this condition is hereditary, it is common to see multiple family members affected by it. Although there is no cure, treatments are available to reduce the severity of the symptoms associated with this condition. Since this skin disease resembles other skin conditions, it is important to get a proper diagnosis from a licensed dermatologist or other health care specialist.
Studies have shown links between plaque psoriasis and certain psychological conditions, namely depression and anxiety. Low self-esteem caused by the visual presence of the disease is one of these links. Others include vitamin D3 and melatonin deficiencies. This disease is linked to other comorbidities, however, many of these are only associated with severe cases of plaque psoriasis.
Disclaimer: This article simply intends to provide information. It does not intend to replace medical advice from a physician. If you have questions or concerns about your health, please speak with a medical health professional.
