Mild Plaque Psoriasis

Psoriasis isn’t just a skin condition. It’s a complex immune-mediated disorder that can affect a person’s confidence, comfort, and quality of life. In community pharmacy, mild plaque psoriasis is a condition you’re likely to see, however, recognising it early and advising appropriately can make all the difference for patients.

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, most commonly appearing as well-defined red or pink plaques covered in silvery-white scales. It can range from a few small patches to more widespread involvement.

Common sites include the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back; however, it can occur anywhere.

Patients may also report itching, burning, soreness, or nail changes such as pitting and thickening.

Triggers are diverse and can include stress, infections, certain medications, alcohol, smoking, or even skin injury. For some, symptoms flare unexpectedly, while others notice predictable patterns.

When Psoriasis Looks Different

Psoriasis doesn’t always look the same in every patient. In darker skin, plaques may appear purple, violet, or deep brown rather than red, and scales may be thicker and itchier.

Some patients may experience pigment changes after healing, which can linger and affect self-esteem. This variability makes accurate recognition — especially in the pharmacy — an important skill.

Is it Psoriasis or Something Else?

Psoriasis can mimic other common skin conditions.

For example:

• Eczema: Red, itchy, scaly skin — but usually less well-defined and in skin folds.

• Tinea corporis: Ring-shaped patches with central clearing, caused by a fungal infection.

• Seborrheic dermatitis: Yellow, greasy scales, typically on the scalp and face.

Being able to confidently tell the difference is critical for recommending the right treatment or knowing when to refer.

Psoriasis Treatment in the Pharmacy Setting

For mild plaque psoriasis, topical treatments are the mainstay:

• Corticosteroids — Short-term use to calm flares and reduce inflammation.

• Tar-based preparations — To maintain control after corticosteroid use, especially for the scalp and body.

• Keratolytics — To soften and remove scales, improving penetration of other treatments.

• Moisturisers — Essential to reduce dryness, scaling, and discomfort.

Pharmacists also play a vital role in helping patients avoid triggers, adhere to treatment plans, and recognise red flag symptoms that require medical review.

What You Will Learn in Our Course Mild Plaque Psoriasis

Our 15-minute CPD course is designed to sharpen your skills and boost your confidence in managing mild plaque psoriasis in community pharmacy.

You’ll learn how to:

• Identify hallmark features of plaque psoriasis in various skin types.

• Differentiate psoriasis from other scaly skin conditions using visual and symptom cues.

• Ask targeted assessment questions to uncover triggers, history, and severity.

• Recognise red flags that require urgent referral.

• Make evidence-based recommendations for topical treatments in mild cases.

Why You Should Take our Course Mild Plaque Psoriasis

Early, accurate recognition of psoriasis can prevent unnecessary suffering, improve patient outcomes, and position you as a trusted healthcare professional. By investing a short amount of time in this course, you’ll be able to confidently handle psoriasis presentations in the pharmacy, from first assessment to appropriate referral or treatment advice.

Discover the strategies, visual cues, and practical tips you need to provide the best possible care.

Enrol in our course Mild Plaque Psoriasis today!