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.
Medicines used to treat Plaque Psoriasis
Heximar Ointment
15 · 30g
Indicated to manage psoriasis symptoms to alleviate skin lesions.
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 Southeast and East Asia, hot and humid climates can worsen sweating around affected skin, while cold, dry air-conditioned environments, common in Singapore, Hong Kong, and urban Japan, 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.