psoriasis vulgaris
Last reviewed 01/2018
Psoriasis vulgaris (or chronic plaque psoriasis) is the most common pattern of psoriasis seen in about 90% of the cases (1).The plaques:
- are well circumscribed, round-oval or nummular (coin-sized)
- initially may present as erythematous macules (flat and <1 cm) or papules
- may have a white blanching ring (Woronoff's ring) in the surrounding skin (2)
- may be single or multiple covering the whole body
- vary in size - from a few mm's to several cm's (3)
- are red with scaly surface; reflects light when gently scratched, creating a "silvery" effect; more vigorous rubbing induces pin point haemorrhage (Auspitz sign) (2)
- occur all over body but with predilection for extensor surfaces - especially knees, elbows; lumbosacral regions; scalp; trunk, buttocks and nails (3)
- occassionally, involve penis, vulva and flexures, but scaling is absent
- scalp involvement is non-scarring - but there may be some hair loss
- lesions often symmetrical (3); chronic and stable
Click here for images of psoriasis vulgaris
Reference:
- 1. National Psoriasis Foundation. Plaque psoriasis
- 2. Langley R.G.B et al. Psoriasis: epidemiology, clinical features, and quality of life. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2005;64(2)
- 3. American Academy of Dermatology 2008. Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis - Section 1. Overview of psoriasis and guidelines of care for the treatment of psoriasis with biologics