Plaques are broad, almost plateau-like lesions raised on the surface of the skin. Sometimes formed by a confluence of small bumpy lesions, plaques are usually well-defined and cover a relatively large surface area. Scratching can harden the skin and increase the size of plaques. Excoriated plaques occur in conditions like atopic dermatitis, while non-itchy plaques occur in conditions such as psoriasis.
Please consult your health care provider to assessment any skin ailment.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis affects approximately 300,000 Americans, according to "Fitzpatrick's Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology." A hereditary disorder, psoriasis is characterized by silvery, scaly plaques over a red base. These plaques cause a thickening of the skin with the top layer flaking off generally without itching. Phototherapy and medications such as cyclosporine, methotrxate and acitretin are used to treat severe psoriasis in adults.
Atopic Dermatitis
A common inflammatory skin condition, atopic dermatitis affects approximately 17% of children, according to an article published in "Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice." Atopic dermatitis can be limited to just childhood or can last into adulthood. This condition occurs from a hypersensitive reaction in the skin. Severe itching and dry flaky skin are hallmarks of atopic dermatitis. The skin thickens due to constant scratching and shows signs of edema. These plaque-like rashes manifest on the elbows, back of the knees, eyelids and neck. Treatment involves topical steroids and the avoidance of astringents.
Mycosis Fungoides
The cutaneous plaque that presents most commonly in lymphomas is mycosis fungoides. "Abeloff's Clinical Oncology" states that approximately 50% of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas are mycosis fungoides. The plaque-stage of mycosis fungoides presents with severely raised, circular plaques on the trunk and extremities. These plaques are most commonly bright blotches, but sometimes appear in a strong violet color. Diagnosis is made by tissue biopsy. Treatment includes topical steroids and chemotherapy.
Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy
The most common skin condition of pregnancy, pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy or PUPPP affects one in every 130 pregnancies, according to "Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy." Itchy red bumps manifest on the woman's belly during the third trimester to coalesce into thick plaques . Benign and self-limiting, PUPPP resolves on its own within three weeks after delivery.
References
- "Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy" 5th ed.; Thomas Habif, M.D.; 2009
- "Abeloff's Clinical Oncology" 4th ed.; Martin Abeloff, M.D., et al.; 2008
- "Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice"; Atopic Dermatitis; Peck Ong, M.D. and Mark Boguniewicz, M.D.; March 2008
- "Fitzpatrick's Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology" 5th ed.; Klaus Wolff, MD & et al.; 2005
