What causes Plaque Psoriasis on your head?(Jan 2024)

Plaque psoriasis runs in families, so there may be a genetic trigger. Parents may pass it down to their children

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis, a skin disease that affects about 8 million Americans. It is characterized by raised red patches covered with a whitish buildup of dead skin cells called scale. These plaques usually appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back but can occur anywhere on the body. Plaque psoriasis is considered an autoimmune. Treatment options for plaque psoriasis include topical medications, phototherapy, and systemic drugs that work throughout the body to calm the immune system or slow down skin cell growth. However, these treatments can cause serious side effects, such as depression, aggressive thoughts, liver problems, or a higher risk of skin cancer. In severe cases, biologic drugs may be used to target the immune system.

Symptoms of plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is a skin disease that causes dry, raised skin patches (plaques) covered with scales. These plaques are well-defined, erythematous, and have a predilection for the extensor aspect of the body, such as the elbows, knees, and lower back. The plaques can be itchy, sore, or both, and they may feel like a burn or a sting. 

The affected skin might heal with temporary changes in color, particularly on brown or black skin. Plaques can appear anywhere on the body, although they most often appear on the scalp, knees, elbows, and torso. 

Plaque psoriasis can be unstable, with plaques losing their sharp, clear edges as they enlarge and sometimes join together, or it can be chronic and stable, which is the most common form. Nail psoriasis often accompanies plaque psoriasis, which may look like discoloration, pitting, or separation of the nail from the nail bed.

Cause of plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis on the scalp is caused by the same autoimmune condition that causes plaque psoriasis on other parts of the body. Plaque psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes thick patches (plaques) on the skin, including the scalp. The immune system overreacts, causing inflammation, which leads to new skin cells growing too fast. Typically, new skin cells grow every 28 to 30 days. 

But if you have plaque psoriasis, new cells grow and move to your skin's surface every three to four days. The buildup of new cells replacing old cells creates plaques. Plaque psoriasis runs in families, so there may be a genetic trigger. Parents may pass it down to their children. Plaque psoriasis flare-ups differ from person to person, and common triggers may include skin injuries (such as cuts, scrapes, or sunburn), infections, and certain medications.

Risk factors

The risk factors for developing plaque psoriasis include:

1. Family History: Having a family history of psoriasis increases the risk of developing the condition. If one parent has psoriasis, the risk is higher, and if both parents have it, the risk is further increased.
2. Obesity: Weight gain and obesity have been identified as independent risk factors for psoriasis. Obesity can promote inflammation, which may contribute to the development of the condition.
3. Stress: While stress does not cause psoriasis, it can trigger or exacerbate existing cases. Managing stress levels may help in managing the condition.
4. Skin Injury: Psoriasis can appear on areas of the skin where injuries such as sunburns, scratches, or other trauma have occurred.
5. Infections: Certain infections, such as strep throat or skin infections, can increase the risk of worsened psoriasis, especially in children and young adult.

How is plaque psoriasis diagnosed

Plaque psoriasis is diagnosed based on the clinical presentation of the skin lesions. The characteristic features include well-defined, raised, red patches covered with silvery-white scales, which may be itchy and painful. These plaques typically appear on the extensor surfaces such as the elbows, knees, and lower back, and they are often symmetrical in distribution. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis. Additionally, a thorough medical history and physical examination are conducted to rule out other skin conditions and to assess the extent of the psoriatic involvement.

How is psoriasis treated

Psoriasis can be treated with a variety of options, including topical treatments, light therapy, and systemic medications

. Topical treatments, such as corticosteroids and vitamin D analogues, are usually the first line of treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis. Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of natural or artificial light and is a first-line treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis. Systemic medications, such as oral or injected drugs, are used for moderate to severe psoriasis that has not responded to other treatment analogs. 

These medications work throughout the entire body and can have serious side effects, so they are typically prescribed by a specialist. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the psoriasis, how responsive it has been to previous treatments, and the area of skin affected. It's important to note that while treatment can relieve symptoms, there is no cure for psoriasis.

several medications available

There are several medications available for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. Topical treatments, such as corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and tar, are usually the first line of treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis. Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of natural or artificial light and is a first-line treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis. 

Systemic medications, such as oral or injected drugs, are used for moderate to severe psoriasis that has not responded to other treatments. These medications work throughout the entire body and can have serious side effects, so they are typically prescribed by a specialist. Some of the systemic medications used to treat psoriasis include methotrexate, cyclosporine, and biologics such as etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab. 

The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the psoriasis, how responsive it has been to previous treatments, and the area of skin affected. It's important to note that all the systemic treatments for psoriasis have benefits and risks, and regular monitoring and management of the condition are necessary to minimize symptoms and improve quality of life.

Long-term treatment with methotrexate

Long-term treatment with methotrexate for psoriasis can have both beneficial effects and potential risks. Methotrexate is known to improve psoriasis symptoms in many people, with the skin typically showing signs of improvement within 4 to 6 weeks

. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and risks associated with long-term use of methotrexate. These may include tiredness, headache, sun sensitivity, and more serious side effects such as reduced ability to fight off infections, as well as liver, lung, or kidney issues. 

Regular monitoring through blood tests is usually recommended to check for any potential damage caused by methotrexate. Additionally, long-term use of methotrexate may lead to less common side effects such as liver damage and reversible liver scarring, and it is associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer, reduced white blood cell count, and bone marrow toxicity. 

It's important for individuals undergoing methotrexate treatment to discuss any noticed side effects with their healthcare provider, as many side effects can be managed with adjustments to the treatment plan. Furthermore, individuals taking methotrexate must adhere to regular blood tests to ensure the drug's safe use. It's crucial to consult a healthcare provider to discuss the potential benefits and risks of methotrexate treatment for psoriasis and to determine the most suitable treatment approach based on individual circumstances.

Conclusion

Plaque psoriasis is a common autoimmune skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by raised, red patches covered with a whitish buildup of dead skin cells called scale. While the exact cause of plaque psoriasis is not fully understood, it is believed to be a result of a problem with the immune system, triggered by genetic and environmental factors. 

Treatment options for plaque psoriasis include topical medications, phototherapy, and systemic drugs that work throughout the body to calm the immune system or slow down skin cell growth. However, these treatments can cause serious side effects, and there is no cure for psoriasis. Regular monitoring and management of the condition are necessary to minimize symptoms and improve quality of life. It's important to consult a healthcare provider to discuss the potential benefits and risks of treatment for plaque psoriasis and to determine the most suitable treatment approach based on individual circumstances.