1. Understanding Plaque Psoriasis
  2. What Is Plaque Psoriasis?

What Is Plaque Psoriasis?

Plaque psoriasis may seem as if it is only skin deep, but it actually starts below the surface. The plaque thickness, scaling and redness you see are caused, in part by an overactive immune system. Watch this video to learn more about what causes psoriasis from the inside out.

What Does Plaque Psoriasis Look Like?

Patients often show symptoms of plaque psoriasis on their knees, elbows, and torso.

Psoriasis rash on shin

Psoriasis rash on back

Psoriasis rash on elbows

Psoriasis rash on knees

Psoriasis rash on elbow

Psoriasis Is Different For Everyone—3 Levels of Severity

Some plaque psoriasis symptoms are worse than others*; according to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), cases can be qualified as:

Plaque psoriasis severity - mild, moderate or severe

MILD

Only a few patches, less than 3% of the skin surface area.

Plaque psoriasis severity - mild, moderate or severe

MODERATE

3% to 10% of the skin surface area.

Plaque psoriasis severity - mild, moderate or severe

SEVERE

More than 10% of the skin surface area.

*No universal definition of levels of severity. The above classification is according to the NPF.