There are several sub-types of chronic plaque psoriasis, some of which are very uncommon and which include Rupioid psoriasis, Lichenified psoriasis as well as Elephantine psoriasis, Ostraceous psoriasis, and linear psoriasis as too photosensitive psoriasis. Rupioid psoriasis is limpet like as well as results in lesions that are of a cone shape. Lichenified psoriasis refers to psoriasis in areas that are chronically rubbed and which causes considerable thickening of those parts.
Elephantine Psoriasis, Linear And Ostraceous Psoriasis
Elephantine psoriasis is persistent and leads to thick scaling of the skin and also affects large areas of the body. Linear psoriasis occurs along lines of the body which often correspond to fetal development lines. Ostraceous psoriasis leads to very thick scaling and also looks like an oyster shell. Photosensitive psoriasis is a chronic plaque psoriasis condition in which the areas that have been exposed to the sun such as the neck face, forearms and hands too seem to develop sunburn lines.
There are several treatment options available for people suffering from chronic plaque psoriasis. Among these options there are using topical steroids, coal tar, Dithranol as well as Calcipotriol. In case the chronic plaque psoriasis condition is too severe or extensive it may even become necessary to treat the condition with the help of systemic medications or through phototherapy.
Topical steroids are truly revolutionary and are changing the face of dermatology. They are absorbed by the skin in different rates depending on the part of the body that they are applied on. It is therefore necessary that before using those for treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis that you know that the steroid will work differently when used on the face as compared to using it on the palms.
Coal tar is another chronic plaque psoriasis treatment option and its main use is in effectively treating scaling and itching as well as inflammation that usually accompany instances of chronic plaque psoriasis as well as of eczema and certain other skin ailments.
Dithranol may not be so commonly prescribed in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis but is still very effective and is generally sold under the name Anthralin. However, because Dithranol is rather irritating and can leave stains, it must be used very carefully and is effective only when applied and left on the skin for ten minutes.
Plaque psoriasis treatment generally follows a medical examination of the patient and the diagnosis is generally arrived at after performing skin biopsies.
The last treatment option for those suffering from chronic plaque psoriasis is Calcipotriol which is a derivative of Vitamin D and is sold in the US under the name Dovonex in ointment or cream form as well as scalp solution. This is a prescription medication that is effective (moderately to every effectively) in eighty percent of patients suffering from chronic plaque psoriasis.