Plaque psoriasis
Psoriasis is a very diverse skin disease that appears in a variety of forms. Each form has distinct characteristics. Typically, people have only one type of psoriasis at a time, but occasionally two or more different types of psoriasis can occur at the same time. Psoriasis can also occasionally change from one form to another. Trigger factors may "convert" some forms of psoriasis, such as plaque, to another form, such as pustular. Generally, one type of psoriasis will clear and then another form of psoriasis will appear later.
Plaque psoriasis is the most prevalent form of the disease. About 80 percent of all those who have psoriasis have this form. Its scientific name is psoriasis vulgaris (vulgaris means common). It is characterized by raised, inflamed, red lesions covered by a silvery white scale. It is typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back.
Updated December 2005
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