Overview
What is Plaque Psoriasis
Psoriasis is caused by inflammation in the joints, ligaments, and skin. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis, and patients usually present with raised, red, patchy skin covered with scales. These plaques usually form on the scalp, elbows, knees, or lower back, but they can develop anywhere on the skin.1
The patches vary in color, depending on skin color.2 On Caucasian skin, plaques typically appear as raised, red patches covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells, or scale.3 On skin of color, the plaques may appear darker and thicker and more of a purple or grayish color or darker brown.3
There is no cure for plaque psoriasis. It is uncertain what causes psoriasis, but it may be caused by genetics or environmental factors such as stress or infections. There are several medication treatments that are used to keep it under control and improve patients’ daily life functions.
How common is Plaque Psoriasis
Psoriasis is prevalent worldwide, with a global prevalence of 1% to 8%.4 Psoriasis is much more common in Caucasians, and low rates have been reported in people of African and Japanese ancestry.4 Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. About 80% to 90% of people who have psoriasis develop plaque psoriasis.1 Nail psoriasis is seen in up to 40% of cases, with pitting being the most common finding.4
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- 1a1bPsoriasis: Signs and symptoms. American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Retrieved March 23, 2023 aad.org
- 2Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, October 8). Psoriasis. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved March 23, 2023 Mayo Clinic
- 3a3bNational Psoriasis Foundation. (n.d.). Plaque psoriasis: Causes, triggers, and treatment. The National Psoriasis Foundation: National Psoriasis Foundation. Retrieved March 23, 2023 Psoriasis.org
- 4a4b4cBadri T, Kumar P, Oakley AM. Plaque Psoriasis. [Updated 2022 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan NCBI
Symptoms1, 2
What are the symptoms of Plaque Psoriasis
Symptoms of plaque psoriasis include:
- Patches of thick, raised skin called plaques
- Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
- Itching, burning, or soreness
- Plaques of different sizes
- Smaller plaques joining together to form larger plaques
How is it diagnosed
Plaque psoriasis is usually diagnosed by your healthcare provider. Doctors will perform a physical exam of your skin and take your medical history. Your healthcare provider might then take a small sample of skin (or biopsy) for examination under a microscope.1 A biopsy is used to rule out other conditions and determine the type of psoriasis.
- 1a1b
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, October 8). Psoriasis. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved March 23, 2023 Mayo Clinic
- 2
Badri T, Kumar P, Oakley AM. Plaque Psoriasis. [Updated 2022 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan NCBI
Medications
Plaque Psoriasis
The following specialty medications are available at Accredo, a specialty pharmacy for Plaque Psoriasis.
Copay Assistance
Navigating copay assistance programs can be overwhelming for patients, but now there is an easier way to find the help you need. Our website offers a user-friendly search feature that allows patients to quickly find copay assistance programs specific to their medication. Get Started.
Financial Guidance
Life-saving specialty medication can be expensive. Learn how the Accredo teams help individuals find ways to afford the medication they need to survive in this video.
There are many organizations that support research and advocacy for Plaque Psoriasis. See below for a few of those organizations.
Support Organizations
Meet the Team
Accredo’s Plaque Psoriasis team is dedicated to serving you and we understand the complexity of your condition. Our specialty-trained clinicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer any questions.
Why We Do It
Accredo supports patients with chronic and complex conditions and helps them live their best life. Watch our video to learn why we do what we do for our patients.