Psoriasis vulgaris, or plaque psoriasis, is the most common form of psoriasis. Symptoms include scaly, inflamed skin. Home remedies and medical treatments can help manage symptoms.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that affects the skin.
Psoriasis vulgaris, also known as plaque psoriasis, causes the skin cells to form quicker than in their typical life cycle, which makes them build up. This causes raised, scale-like areas to develop.
Psoriasis scales are not contagious. However, they can be itchy and painful.
Read on to learn more about the symptoms of psoriasis vulgaris. This article also looks at causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Psoriasis vulgaris causes plaques, or scales, to form. These are patches of inflamed, silvery skin that usually occur:
Plaques typically affect the same body parts on both the right and left side of a person’s body. Some people with psoriasis vulgaris experience itchiness, burning, and stinging in the areas that have developed plaques.
The appearance of the scales varies depending on a person’s skin color. On lighter skin, it can appear pink, red, or silvery white. On darker skin, it can look purple, gray, or brown.
Psoriasis vulgaris happens when something causes the immune system to overact. The exact cause is unclear, but certain factors make the condition more likely.
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A doctor may be able to diagnose psoriasis vulgaris based on the appearance of the skin.
In some cases, they may take a sample of skin to send to the laboratory for analysis. This can help confirm the diagnosis or rule out other possible causes.
Doctors may recommend a combination of medical treatments and home remedies to help manage psoriasis vulgaris.
Medical treatment for psoriasis vulgaris
There are a variety of different medical treatment options that a person may want to discuss with their doctor.
These include:
- Topicals: A doctor may prescribe topical steroids to reduce the swelling and discoloration associated with plaques. Some over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, such as coal tar, can also help treat mild psoriasis.
- Systemics: These are prescription medications that work on psoriasis from the inside out. A person can take these orally in liquid or pill form, or by injection or infusion.
- Phototherapy: Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light under medical supervision. This requires regular, consistent treatment.
Home remedies for psoriasis vulgaris
There are many things a person can do at home to try and help prevent flare-ups of psoriasis vulgaris.
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- avoiding foods that may trigger flare-ups
- avoiding or quitting smoking
- avoiding alcohol
- lowering stress levels where possible
Psoriasis vulgaris, or plaque psoriasis, is the most common form of psoriasis. It causes inflamed skin with scales. Depending on a person’s skin color, the scales can be pink, red, silvery white, gray, brown, or purple.
Medical treatments for psoriasis vulgaris include topicals, systemic medications, and phototherapy. Home remedies can also help.
Speak with a doctor if there are concerns about the symptoms of psoriasis vulgaris. The doctor can confirm the diagnosis and advise on suitable treatments