Understanding The Cause & Treatments For Psoriasis
Psoriasis is often mistaken for other skin diseases, such as eczema or dermatitis. But it’s important to know that psoriasis is a disorder of the immune system that may respond to various treatments, including biologics.
Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) inflammatory skin condition that is caused in part by an overactive immune system. This triggers the body to grow skin cells up to 10 times faster than normal. Instead of shedding, these skin cells pile up on the surface and form red patches, or lesions, called plaques.
What Moderate Or Severe Plaque Psoriasis Looks Like
Psoriasis can occur at any age or on any part of the body. Depending on how much of the body is covered with plaques, cases can vary in severity.
The Severity Of Psoriasis
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, there are a number of factors your doctor will take into consideration when determining the severity of your plaque psoriasis. Some of these factors include:
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The location of your plaque psoriasis
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The extent of the plaque psoriasis present
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Your response to treatments in the past
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How often flare-ups occur
For more information about plaque psoriasis, please visit the National Psoriasis Foundation website.
Moderate Or Severe Plaque Psoriasis Treatments
There have been many advances in research and treatment for psoriasis. Talk to your doctor about treatment options. Choices for moderate or severe plaque psoriasis include:
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Biologics—are injectable treatments
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Topical creams—are applied directly to the skin surface
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Oral systemic therapies—circulate throughout the body and are given in pill form
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Light therapy—is a treatment where the skin, or just the psoriatic plaque, is exposed to ultraviolet light (UVA and UVB rays)
For more about the causes of psoriasis, treatment options, and other helpful resources, visit the Common Questions page and the Psoriasis Links page.
Find answers to commonly asked questions:
The National Psoriasis Foundation can connect you to people who know what it’s like to live with psoriasis.
