Moderate Plaque psoriasis

What is Moderate Plaque Psoriasis?

Moderate Plaque Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts and causes skin cells to grow and develop too quickly. This causes the skin to become thick and scaly in patches, usually found on areas such as the elbows, knees, scalp, hands, and feet. In more severe cases, the condition can affect other areas of the body, including the torso and nails. Also, people who experience this condition may experience joint pain and stiffness.

Signs & Symptoms of Moderate Plaque Psoriasis

The most common signs and symptoms of Moderate Plaque psoriasis are:

• Dry, cracked skin that peels off in layers
• Raised, thickened skin plaques that may be red and itchy
• Silvery white scales on the skin
• Itchiness or burning sensations on affected areas of the skin
• Skin wounds that are slow to heal
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Nail pitting or discoloration

Treatments & Management of Moderate Plaque Psoriasis

The main goal of treating Moderate Plaque Psoriasis is to reduce inflammation and slow down excessive skin cell growth. Treatments will vary depending on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may be treated with topical treatments like creams or ointments, while more severe cases may require systemic treatments like light therapy, oral medications, or biologic medications.

Common topical treatments for Moderate Plaque Psoriasis include:

• Topical corticosteroids
• Topical retinoids
• Topical vitamin D analogues
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors
• Anthralin creams or ointments
• Coal tar products

For more severe cases of Moderate Plaque Psoriasis, systemic treatments may be used. These treatments are taken orally or injected, and they work by slowing down the overactive immune system. Common systemic treatments include:

• Light therapy
• Oral retinoids
• Immunomodulators (Dapsone)
• Biologic medications (Enbrel, Humira, Stelara, Otezla)

In cases where topical treatments and systemic therapies do not provide relief, doctors may prescribe systemic medications that may provide more aggressive treatment. These medications include:

• Methotrexate (powerful chemotherapy drug, taken orally or by injection)
• Cyclosporine (a powerful immunosuppressant)
• Biologic agents like Enbrel, Humira, Stelara, or Otezla.

Conclusion

Moderate Plaque Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can cause itching, burning, and skin lesions. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of Moderate Plaque Psoriasis in order to seek early treatment. Treatment for Moderate Plaque Psoriasis includes topical treatments, such as creams and ointments, as well as systemic treatments like light therapy, oral medications, and biologics.