Plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. It causes dry, raised patches of skin called plaques. These patches are covered with silver scales and can look red, purple, gray or brown, depending on your skin color. You may have only a few plaques or many.

Try these self-care tips to help manage plaque psoriasis:

• Bathe or shower daily with mild soap and lukewarm water to soothe your skin.
• Use steroid creams you can buy without a prescription and a thick, ointment-type moisturizer to keep your skin soft and reduce irritation.
• Learn what triggers your psoriasis to flare and try to avoid those things. Common triggers include infections, stress and sunburns.

People with moderate or severe plaque psoriasis may need stronger treatment, such as light therapy, prescription creams, coal tar products, and prescription medicines taken by mouth or given as a shot.