What Are The Symptoms Of Plaque Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a complex skin condition that can lead to discomfort and embarrassment. There are several types of psoriasis, but one of the most severe is known as plaque psoriasis. Here are some symptoms that might indicate you are suffering from this condition.
Inflamed, Raised Patches of Skin
This is the hallmark symptom of plaque psoriasis because it sets the condition apart from other forms of psoriasis. The condition causes large patches of skin, the size of a quarter or larger, to become red, inflamed, and flaky. These spots can have an uneven, jagged shape. They may increase in size seemingly overnight, and they are often covered in white, scaly-looking skin. As an individual plaque progresses, it often becomes very dry and begins bleeding if scratched. As you can probably imagine, these patches are both itchy and painful. They often appear along the scalp, but you may also experience them in your armpits, on your face, on your feet, or on your neck.
Thick and Pitted Nails
Psoriasis, and especially plaque psoriasis, can also affect the fingernails and toenails, even if you do not have any plaques on your hands and feet. You may initially assume you have a fungal infection of the nails as they grow thicker and more yellow. However, antifungal treatments will not clear up the problem, and your nails may begin developing pits and peeling away as time goes on.
Joint Pain
Psoriasis is, at its core, an autoimmune system disorder. Your body attacks certain cells, including the skin cells where you are noticing patches. The immune system can also attack some of the tissues in your joints, leading to joint swelling and pain. If you have any sort of skin condition paired with joint pain, it is wise to see a dermatologist as psoriasis is a strong possibility.
Fever
A severe case of plaque psoriasis can cause you to develop a fever, as your immune system is working in overdrive during a flare-up. This fever is generally pretty mild, but it is enough to give you chills and make you feel uncomfortable. Like the other symptoms listed here, it may come and go, lasting a few days before fading away again.
Plaque psoriasis can be quite uncomfortable, but luckily, there are plenty of effective treatments available through your dermatologist. If you suspect you may have this condition, reach out to your dermatologist sooner rather than later.
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