We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Vulgaris Psoriasis?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 43,611
Share

Vulgaris psoriasis or common psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition characterized by the formation of distinctive plaques of raised inflamed skin. This is the most common form of psoriasis, with around 80% to 90% of people with psoriasis having this form. The severity can vary and there are treatment options available to manage it, although it cannot be cured. The causes of psoriasis are not understood, although there may be genetic and environmental components.

In vulgaris psoriasis, the skin cells grow and replace themselves more quickly than usual. This creates areas of inflamed reddened skin with a white to gray scale of dead skin covering the inflamed areas. The scale is crusty and rough and frequently flakes off, revealing raw skin underneath. If people pick or scratch at the plaques, they can spread and the patient may be prone to infections. The plaques can wax and wane in size and shape.

Patients with vulgaris psoriasis have very itchy, dry skin. It can be extremely uncomfortable and large plaques can limit range of movement. Treatments involve the use of moisturizers to soften and soothe the skin while loosening the dead scale so that it can be easily removed. Topical anti-inflammatory medications can be used periodically for bad breakouts, although they are not designed for long term use. Other treatments can include baths, phototherapy, and treatment with a variety of medications that are designed to address the immunological roots of the condition.

This skin disease is more common in women than men and is most frequently seen in people with light skin. It is not contagious and people are not in danger from being around people with vulgaris psoriasis or other forms of psoriasis. Often the plaques are not visible, as locations like the back tend to be favored.

Patients with psoriasis can see a dermatologist and immunologist for treatment. These medical specialists can provide care customized to a patient's needs, as well as offering information about newly developed treatments, clinical trials, and other opportunities for psoriasis treatment. Vulgaris psoriasis is often diagnosed in people who are very young and it is advisable to regularly ask about new treatments, as research into this condition is ongoing. Some discoveries have been accidental in nature, with patients taking medications for reasons other than psoriasis and noticing that their skin clears up, and the body of knowledge about how this condition develops and can be treated is constantly growing.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-vulgaris-psoriasis.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.