Managing Your Plaque Psoriasis
What Is Plaque Psoriasis?
Plaque psoriasis (the most common form of psoriasis) occurs in people with overactive immune systems. Inflammation in the body causes a buildup of skin cells, resulting in raised, red, scaly, and sometimes itchy patches (or plaques) on the skin.
These plaques can appear anywhere but typically are seen on the elbows, chest, back, and knees. Approximately half of people with plaque psoriasis are estimated to have at least one flare-up of scalp psoriasis.
Psoriasis Is More Than Skin Deep
Not all psoriasis symptoms are physical, however. Nearly 90% of people with psoriasis report experiencing an impact to their overall emotional well-being, including feeling helpless and embarrassed, according to a survey by the National Psoriasis Foundation. The emotional impact is especially true for women, and can include feeling lonely and isolated.
To understand the full impact of your psoriasis symptoms, download our Doctor Discussion Guide to help you with the next conversation with your dermatologist. Through open conversation with your doctor about how symptoms are affecting you physically and emotionally, together you can decide how to treat your psoriasis.
If you have psoriasis and also are experiencing pain, stiffness, or swelling in and around your joints, these may be symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. Ask a specialist (your dermatologist and/or your rheumatologist) to learn how CIMZIA (certolizumab pegol) may be able to help.
Common Risk Factors Associated With Plaque Psoriasis
Some psoriasis risk factors include (although not everyone's psoriasis is affected the same):
- Stress
- Injury to skin
- Hormones
- Cold weather
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Certain medications (including lithium, antimalarial, statins, NSAIDs)
- Infection
Genes May Play a Role
While the cause of psoriasis is unknown, it is thought that genetics play a role, with 40% of individuals with psoriasis having a family history with the disease. However, researchers believe that for people to develop their psoriasis, they must possess genetic factors and be exposed to external factors, or risk factors, for the condition.
How is Psoriasis Treated?
Depending on the severity and/or location of psoriasis, non-systemic treatments (those that work directly on the skin vs inside the body) such as topical treatments or phototherapy may be used. For more severe cases, or cases where non-systemic treatments aren’t as effective, systemic therapies may be prescribed.
If you've tried many different treatment options for your moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, you are not alone. The condition can be unpredictable; that’s why it’s so important to talk to a dermatologist to fully understand the complexities of psoriasis and how to find the right treatment for you.
CIMZIA (certolizumab pegol), as a biologic for psoriasis, may help people achieve or regain results when other treatment options haven’t worked. Ask your dermatologist how CIMZIA may work for you.
Manage Your Psoriasis With Confidence
By keeping track of your symptoms, writing down any questions you have, and being open with your dermatologist about what you’re experiencing, you can find the treatment that’s most appropriate for you, even if you've been on other biologics before. To ensure a productive conversation at your next appointment, download our Doctor Discussion Guide.
Resources for Support
The National Psoriasis Foundation works to find a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and to eliminate their devastating effects through research, advocacy, and education. Call 1-800-723-9166 for questions about psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis.
*The CIMplicity program is provided as a service of UCB and is intended to support the appropriate use of CIMZIA. The CIMplicity program may be amended or canceled at any time without notice. Some program and eligibility restrictions may apply.
Are Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Linked?
Typically, psoriasis precedes the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. In fact, up to 30% of people with psoriasis may develop psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause painful inflammation in the joints, fingers, and toes. Psoriatic arthritis symptoms may appear similar to rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms of joint pain and swelling, along with psoriasis and nail changes, may indicate psoriatic arthritis.
CIMZIA (certolizumab pegol), as a biologic for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, may help people achieve or regain results when other treatment options haven’t worked.
Ask your dermatologist how CIMZIA may work for you.
Common Psoriasis Questions
How many people have psoriasis?
More than 7.5 million adults have psoriasis in the US.
What is “moderate” psoriasis?
Psoriasis is considered moderate when 3-10% of the body is affected.
What is “severe” psoriasis?
Psoriasis is considered severe when 10% or more of the body is affected.
How many people have moderate-to-severe psoriasis?
Approximately 20% of people with psoriasis have cases that are considered moderate-to-severe.
Can psoriasis affect your quality of life?
Over 90% of people with psoriasis view their condition as problematic in their daily life.
When do people first get psoriasis?
While psoriasis can first appear at any age, 15-20 is the average age when psoriasis often appears, followed by a second common age of 55-60.
If you have psoriasis, will you also have psoriatic arthritis?
Up to 30% of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis.
Is psoriasis genetic?
Approximately 40% of people with psoriasis have a relative with psoriasis.
Can psoriasis impact mental health?
Nearly 90% of people with psoriasis feel helpless and embarrassed, with impact to their overall emotional well-being, according to a survey by the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Is psoriasis the same as eczema?
While both psoriasis and eczema are inflammatory skin conditions, the main difference between psoriasis and eczema is that psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder. Unlike psoriasis, eczema can be caused by hypersensitivity of the skin to certain environmental factors and possible genetic factors and may eventually be outgrown.