Plaque psoriasis is a skin condition that causes raised red or purple patches covered with a whitish buildup of dead skin cells called plaques. These patches tend to be itchy and cause discomfort for individuals. The rashes can appear anywhere on the skin but generally appear around the elbows, knees, scalp, and back. This condition is considered chronic and autoimmune, with treatment focusing on easing symptoms and reducing the frequency of flare-ups.

Treatment options
Plaque psoriasis treatment depends largely on the progression of the condition, the parts of the skin it affects, and one’s medical history. Generally, individuals can be offered one (or a combination) of treatment options.

1. Topical treatment
In the case of mild plaque psoriasis, topical treatments such as ointments and serums may be adequate for managing the condition. These are applied directly to the affected area to reduce swelling and redness and to soothe the skin. Some of these options may include prescription retinoids, salicylic acid, coal tar ointments, or shampoos.

2. Systemic biologic treatment
For individuals dealing with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, more aggressive treatment might be required. In such cases, doctors often consider systemic treatments like TREMFYA® (guselkumab), which target specific cells in the immune system and prevent certain proteins from causing inflammation. TREMFYA® is the first of its kind, an FDA-approved treatment option. It has shown significant promise in clinical trials and studies, with 7 out of 10 patients reporting 90% clearer skin in just 16 weeks. The treatment must be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

3. Phototherapy
To slow down fast-growing plaque cells, doctors also recommend phototherapy treatments.

• Narrowband UVB therapy
  This targeted form of ultraviolet (UV) therapy is generally performed in the doctor’s office. Here, the individual is asked to stand in a light box, where the light source is passed over the affected areas of their skin to reduce plaque growth. It is considered a safe form of treatment for children, pregnant women, and those with a weakened immune system.
  Rarely, doctors may recommend a lighter form of the same treatment, using wide-band UVB light. That being said, this is not considered as effective as other options.
• XTRAC Laser
  Excimer or XTRAC laser therapy can help reduce the occurrence of red patches on the skin by using targeted UVB rays.

Many people with plaque psoriasis also rely on a variety of home treatments to reduce symptoms like dry skin and itchiness. These include salt baths, oatmeal baths or pastes, aloe vera gel, and diluted apple cider vinegar. Apart from these, taking care of one’s nutritional intake, eating anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, leafy greens, and olive oil, and avoiding allergens and triggers can also help reduce the occurrence or intensity of plaque psoriasis flares.