Plaque Psoriasis

Overview

Plaque psoriasis is an immune-driven skin disease in which skin cells build up too quickly and form raised, scaly patches called plaques. It can also affect the scalp and nails. People with psoriasis have a higher chance of psoriatic arthritis and heart disease.

Common Signs and Symptoms

• Raised, red or darker patches covered with silvery scale
• Itching, burning or soreness
• Scaling on the scalp
• Pitted or thickened nails
• Cracked skin that may bleed
• Joint pain or swelling, which may signal psoriatic arthritis

When to Contact a Provider

See a dermatologist if plaques cover a large area, affect your hands, feet, face or genitals, don't improve with creams, or come with joint pain.

How Treatment May Help

Mild psoriasis is often treated with creams or light therapy. For moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, a dermatologist may prescribe a biologic that targets IL-17, IL-23, IL-12/23 or TNF. These medicines may help reduce plaques, itching and scaling for many patients.

Therapies That May Be Available at Infuse Care

• Cosentyx (secukinumab): injection under the skin
• Ilumya (tildrakizumab): injection under the skin by a healthcare professional; two starting doses, then every 12 weeks
• Skyrizi (risankizumab): injection under the skin; two starting doses, then every 12 weeks
• Tremfya (guselkumab): injection under the skin; two starting doses, then every eight weeks
• Stelara (ustekinumab): injection under the skin; two starting doses, then every 12 weeks
• Remicade, Inflectra and Renflexis (infliximab products): IV infusion, for adults with chronic severe plaque psoriasis

Safety and Monitoring

Biologic medicines can raise the risk of infections, so your provider will usually screen for tuberculosis and hepatitis B before you start and review your vaccines. Infusion or injection reactions can occur, and our nurses monitor you during and after each treatment.

IL-17 blockers such as Cosentyx may worsen inflammatory bowel disease in some people.

Your prescribing provider decides which treatment is right for you. Infuse Care administers prescribed therapies after a referral, a clinical review and any required insurance authorization, and we keep your provider's office updated on your care.