plaque psoriasis

skin disorder

Also known as: psoriasis vulgaris

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Last updated

July 17, 2026

Quick Summary

Plaque psoriasis, also known as psoriasis vulgaris, is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder. It is characterized by raised, reddish patches covered with silvery scales. These lesions often appear symmetrically on the elbows, knees, scalp, chest, and buttocks. The condition arises when immune cells, specifically T lymphocytes, attack healthy skin cells, causing them to reproduce too rapidly.1

Psoriasis is not contagious but can be disfiguring. While there is no permanent cure, treatments aim to manage symptoms and include topical creams, ultraviolet light therapy, and oral medications that suppress the immune system. The exact cause is believed to involve a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors.12

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psoriasis
The most common type, called plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris), is characterized by slightly elevated reddish patches or papules (solid elevations) covered with silvery white scales. In most cases, the lesions tend to be symmetrically distributed on the elbows and knees, scalp, chest, and buttocks. The lesions may remain small and…
Read More
The most common type, called plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris), is characterized by slightly elevated reddish patches or papules (solid elevations) covered with silvery white scales. In most cases, the lesions tend to be symmetrically distributed on the elbows and knees, scalp, chest, and buttocks. The lesions may remain small and…
Read More