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Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis, causing raised, red patches covered with silvery-white scales. It is a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system accelerates skin cell turnover, causing cells to build up faster than they can shed. Patches typically appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, and can range from a few small spots to widespread involvement.

Tazorac

Tazarotene

1 · 5%

Tazarotene 1% and 5% cream and gel, applied to the skin for plaque psoriasis and acne vulgaris. A retinoid prodrug converted to tazarotenic acid.

From$30.46/ tubeView

Heximar Ointment

Calcipotriol

15 · 30g

Heximar Ointment is calcipotriol in 15g and 30g tubes for plaque psoriasis, a synthetic vitamin D analogue that normalises keratinocyte turnover.

From$39.10/ tubeView

Wynzora

Betamethasone, Calcipotriol

0.05/0.005%

Betamethasone with calcipotriol as a cream for plaque psoriasis. A potent corticosteroid alongside a vitamin D analogue that settles cell turnover.

From$47.43/ tubeView

Key points

  • Skin cells are produced faster than the body can shed them, building up into thick, scaly raised patches.
  • The elbows, knees, scalp and lower back are favoured sites, and involvement can be a handful of spots or far more widespread.
  • A flare can follow stress, a cut or sunburn, certain infections, smoking or drinking too much.
  • Calcipotriol slows excess skin cell growth while betamethasone calms the inflammation, which is why the two are often used together.

What drives flare-ups

Psoriasis follows a relapsing pattern: periods of clear skin interrupted by flare-ups. Common triggers include stress, skin injury (cuts, sunburn), certain infections, and alcohol. In hot and humid climates, sweating can worsen affected skin, while cold, dry air-conditioned environments can also irritate plaques and slow healing. Some people notice flares linked to specific medications or dietary changes.

Managing plaques with topical treatments

Most mild to moderate plaque psoriasis is managed with topical preparations applied directly to affected skin. Calcipotriol is a vitamin D analogue that slows excess skin cell growth and reduces scaling. Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that calms inflammation and eases redness. The two are often used together, since they target different parts of the inflammatory process. Tazarotene, a topical retinoid, helps normalise skin cell turnover and can be particularly effective for thick, stubborn plaques. Wider skin health support is covered in the skin care section.

See a doctor promptly if plaques spread rapidly, affect large body areas, or are accompanied by joint pain, this may indicate psoriatic arthritis, which needs separate assessment.

Further reading