Symptoms of Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis, like other forms of this ailment, is not contagious, but there does seem to be a hereditary link associated with it. In the United States alone, there are as many as 5.5 million people with this condition, and it manifests itself in children as well as adults. Plaque psoriasis affects all races. While the exact cause of this disease is not yet known, scientists believe the culprit is an immune-system disorder that produces certain cells that make skin cells grow faster than they should. This makes them "pile up" in raised areas that form patches on the surface of the skin.

The most common symptoms of plaque psoriasis are the scaly, reddish patches that are raised above the surface of the skin. They are most often found on an individual's knees or elbows, although in some people, the rest of the body is also vulnerable. These plaques can be of different sizes, and there can be only a few or very many on the skin at any one time. The skin affected with these plaques can develop cracks and bleed, and is usually itchy. The reddish coloring is unmistakable. and shows up in great contrast to normal skin. The plaques tend to flare up and then subside in cycles, lasting for weeks or even months before fading away.

The scales that form on someone with plaque psoriasis vary in thickness, and when they are removed, the skin beneath them will appear smooth and almost shiny. It is red in color, as opposed to the scales, which have a silvery sheen to them. When someone develops plaque psoriasis on an area of the scalp, the region will be dry and scaly. People with this ailment may discover that their fingernails have tiny indentations in them, or ridges with the nail also discolored and separated from the nail bed.

Children who suffer from plaque psoriasis will have skin that is less scaly, and the plaques won't be as thick as on an adult. In infants, plaque psoriasis can form in the diaper area, and young children will experience it on their faces more often than adults will. People who suffer from plaque psoriasis will find it affecting both arms or legs, and rarely only one.

A person's life expectancy is not altered due to plaque psoriasis, but a great deal of emotional distress comes with the disease, as the sufferer worries about her appearance. This can lead to anxiety and bouts of depression, as well as contributing to a poor self-image. There is evidence that plaque psoriasis carries an increased chance of developing skin cancers and lymphoma. There is also the risk of psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory problem that affects the toes and the fingers.