Plaque psoriasis is one of the most common forms of psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin. It is estimated that around 7.5 million people in the country have psoriasis, and approximately 80% of them have plaque psoriasis. The condition is characterized by thick, raised, and red or silvery-white patches of skin covered with scales. These patches usually appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back but can also appear elsewhere.

Causes
The exact cause of plaque psoriasis is not thoroughly understood, but it is considered to be related to genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. Triggers that can worsen symptoms include stress, infections, injuries to the skin, and certain remedies. The signs and symptoms of plaque psoriasis include:

Thickened, red patches of skin covered with silvery white scales
Dry and cracked skin that may bleed
Itching, burning, or soreness in affected areas
Thickened, pitted, or ridged nails
Joint pain or stiffness (in some cases)

Treatment
Treatment options for plaque psoriasis include topical treatments such as corticosteroids and vitamin D analogs, oral remedies such as methotrexate and cyclosporine, and biologics such as TNF-alpha inhibitors and IL-17 inhibitors. Light therapy or phototherapy may also treat plaque psoriasis.

In everyday life, maintaining a healthy weight and managing stress can help reduce the severity of symptoms. Food regime changes like eating a balanced meal of omega-3 fatty acids may decrease inflammation and improve skin health.

Natural remedies
Some natural remedies that may help with plaque psoriasis include applying aloe vera gel, using oatmeal baths or creams, and applying natural oils such as coconut or tea tree oil to the affected areas. Below are some of the natural remedies that may help alleviate symptoms of plaque psoriasis:

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce itching and redness associated with psoriasis. Applying pure aloe vera gel directly to the affected areas help in softening the skin.
Oatmeal baths or creams may help soothe irritated skin and relieve itching. To make an oatmeal bath, add 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal into a warm bath and soak the body for 15-20 minutes.
Coconut oil has moisturizing properties that can help reduce dryness and scaling associated with psoriasis. Applying a few teaspoons of coconut oil to the affected areas may help maintain smooth and moist skin.
Tea tree oil has many natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that may help reduce inflammation and redness associated with psoriasis. As the tree tea oil is a highly concentrated extract, it may be inappropriate to apply the oil on the skin. It is recommended to dilute tea tree oil with coconut oil before application on the skin.

These natural remedies are recommended for holistic well-being and optimal skin condition. However, it is necessary to understand that these natural remedies have not been extensively studied, and their effectiveness has yet to be scientifically proven.

When someone is diagnosed with plaque psoriasis, they need to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan custom-tailored to their needs. This may include treatments such as topical, oral, or biologic remedies, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies.