This article discusses different types of skin plaques and the conditions that cause them.
It also explains how to care for and treat affected skin.
The amount of skin affected by plaques varies.
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This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
The symptoms associated with plaques vary depending upon the skin condition present (see below.)
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
There are likely several different mechanisms behind the formation of plaques, thoughplaque psoriasishas been studied most extensively.
These include:
Eczema
Eczemais also called atopic or allergic dermatitis.
Rashes and plaques from eczema are related to an allergy to something which comes into contact with the skin.
Psoriasis
Psoriasisis a condition which affects roughly 2% of the population.
There are several differenttypes of psoriasis, but plaque psoriasis (a.k.a.
psoriasis vulgaris) is the most common form.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitisis an inflammatory skin disorder affecting skin that has sebaceous glands.
It is best known for being the condition that causesdandruff.
Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor, also called pityriasis versicolor, is commonly confused with other rashes.
It becomes a problem only when there is an overgrowth of the fungus.
There are many conditions that increase the risk of this condition, most notably pregnancy.
The fungus thrives in a moist environment and often occurs in wrestlers due to close contact and sweating.
Poor hygiene can also increase one’s risk.
Diagnosis
Plaques are just one of the several types of primary lesions that indicate a skin disease.
That said, there are some unique findings that can help tell these rashes apart.
Pityriasis rosea plaques begin with one herald patch and spread.
The plaques also resemble drooping tree branches.
Tinea versicolor can be diagnosed using aWood’s lamp.
(The rash glows a characteristic yellow under the lamp’s black light.)
AKOH testmay be positive with some of these conditions.
Oral medication, like anantihistamine, may be prescribed to help control itching.Plaque psoriasis can be treated usinglight therapy.
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National Library of Medicine.Skin plaque.
2019;2019(10).
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Borda LJ, Perper M, Keri JE.Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis: a comprehensive review.J Dermatolog Treat.
2019;30(2):158-169. doi:10.1080/09546634.2018.1473554
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: Diagnosis and treatment.
