Here is detailed information about plaque psoriasis based on the provided context:

### Diagnosis and Symptoms
- Appearance: Plaques can appear as red patches on light-skinned people and may be thicker and appear purplish or brown on people with darker skin
- Common Locations: Knees, elbows, scalp, torso, buttocks, and Show Full Answer

Here is detailed information about plaque psoriasis based on the provided context:

### Diagnosis and Symptoms
- Appearance: Plaques can appear as red patches on light-skinned people and may be thicker and appear purplish or brown on people with darker skin.
- Common Locations: Knees, elbows, scalp, torso, buttocks, and lower back.
- Plaque Scales: Consist of dead skin cells that often turn white, silvery, or gray and frequently flake off.
- Shedding: Healthy skin sheds dead skin cells approximately every 28 days, but for people with plaque psoriasis, dead skin cells adhere to the surface and quickly become scaly, shedding every day during flare-ups.
- Symptoms: Itchiness and pain.

### Severity Levels
- Mild, Moderate, or Severe: The severity of plaque psoriasis can be assessed using standardized diagnostic tools and subjective evaluations. This helps in determining the effectiveness of treatments and justifying their necessity to insurance companies.

### Treatment Options
- Topical Therapy: Includes corticosteroid creams.
- Phototherapy: Light therapy.
- Oral Medications: Prescribed by healthcare providers.
- Injected Medications: Administered as part of the treatment plan.

### Managing Plaque Psoriasis
- Proactive Measures: Taking photos, keeping a journal, and detailing symptoms to share during appointments can help in receiving the right level of care.
- Communication: Informing service providers like barbers about your condition can help manage symptoms better.

### Explaining to Others
- Impact on Mental and Emotional Health: The severity and visibility of plaques can vary, affecting individuals differently.
- Chronic Nature: Some forms of psoriasis are chronic and lifelong, while others may go away with age.

### Reliable Information
- Trustworthy Sources: Look for articles reviewed by dermatologists or medically reviewed by healthcare professionals to ensure the information is reliable and up-to-date.

This information should help you understand plaque psoriasis better and manage it effectively.

 This AI-generated response comes from MyPsoriasisTeam and other selected sources. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

Plaque Psoriasis: Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Treatment | MyPsoriasisTeam

Is It Mild, Moderate, or Severe Plaque Psoriasis? 6 Ways To Tell | MyPsoriasisTeam