Author
Home > Health > What is the Difference Between Plaque Psoriasis and Psoriasis?

Guilherme Mazui

•4 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Plaque Psoriasis and Psoriasis?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Psoriasis is an immune system problem that causes skin cells to grow faster than usual, resulting in dry, scaly patches. Plaque psoriasis, also known as psoriasis vulgaris, is the most common type of psoriasis, affecting about 80% of those with the condition. The main differences between plaque psoriasis and other types of psoriasis are the appearance and location of the skin lesions.

In plaque psoriasis, the symptoms include:

  • Raised, inflamed, red skin covered with silvery, white scales
  • Patches that may itch and burn
  • Affected areas are typically the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp
  • The patches can vary in color, appearing purplish with gray scales on darker skin

Other types of psoriasis include:

  • Guttate psoriasis: Affects about 8% of people with psoriasis, often starting in children or young adults.
  • Pustular psoriasis: Affects about 3% of people with psoriasis, characterized by pus-filled, painful bumps surrounded by inflamed or discolored skin.
  • Inverse psoriasis: Affects about 25% of people with psoriasis, causing inflamed deep-red or darkened skin that is smooth and not scaly, typically occurring in skin folds such as underarms and groin.
  • Erythrodermic psoriasis: The least common type, causing a scaly rash that can cover the entire body, often triggered by severe sunburn, certain medications, or a flare-up of another type of psoriasis.

It is possible to have more than one type of psoriasis at a time, and the type of psoriasis can change based on various factors, such as the severity of the condition or triggers like medications or sunburn.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Plaque Psoriasis and Psoriasis?
  • Comparative Table: Plaque Psoriasis vs Psoriasis

    • Comparative Table: Plaque Psoriasis vs Psoriasis

    Based on the search results, here is a table comparing the differences between plaque psoriasis and psoriasis in general:

    Feature Plaque Psoriasis Psoriasis (General)
    Definition Plaque psoriasis is a specific type of psoriasis, the most common form, characterized by raised, red skin lesions covered with white or silver dry scales. Psoriasis is a general term for a group of autoimmune diseases that cause skin cells to grow too quickly, resulting in red, scaly rashes.
    Symptoms Raised, inflamed, red skin covered with silvery, white scales. On darker skin, the patches may be purplish with gray scales. These patches may itch and burn. Psoriasis has several types, each with distinct symptoms and affecting different areas of the body.
    Triggers Stress, some medications, alcohol and tobacco use, and infections that involve inflammatory processes. Triggers may vary depending on the type of psoriasis, but they generally include stress, medications, infections, and environmental factors.
    Treatments Topical therapies, such as topical steroids and calcipotriene, are the mainstays of treatment for plaque psoriasis. Treatments depend on the type and severity of psoriasis, but they may include topical therapies, oral medications, and biologic injections.

    Keep in mind that plaque psoriasis is just one type of psoriasis, and there are several other types with distinct symptoms and treatments.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.