Psoriasis is a common skin condition affecting 2-3% of the population in the UK. It is a chronic scaling disease of the skin which can range from localized dry spots of skin to large areas anywhere on the body. Psoriasis occurs when the usual skin cell replacement processes are speeded up, resulting in red, scaly patches where dead skin cells build up on the surface of the skin. Psoriasis can be very distressing for sufferers, both physically and mentally.

What is Psoriasis? Psoriasis appears as raised red, scaly patches on the skin. The scales are the accumulation of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. Psoriasis sufferers have this build up of dead skin cells as the condition causes the normal skin renewal process to dramatically accelerate: while normal skin cells take 21-28 days to replace themselves, psoriasis sufferers’ skin cells are replaced every 2-6 days.

Psoriasis can range in appearance from mild to severe, with scaly patches in a variety of shapes and sizes. The precise cause of the condition is unknown, but stress, hereditary and genetic factors are thought to play a part. Psoriasis affects both males and females of all ages. Psoriasis is not contagious, nor can it be transferred from one part of the body to another.

Do I have Psoriasis? If you think you have psoriasis, it is advised to see a doctor for a visual diagnosis. If you have the condition, a doctor will be able to discuss potential treatment options with you and may also refer you to a dermatologist.

Treatments & Solutions There is no present cure for psoriasis, but there are a number of drugs and treatments that can relieve and control the condition, often for long periods of time. Initial treatment may be with topical therapies – creams, lotions, ointments and gels that are applied directly to the skin. Most topical treatments contain active ingredients such as Vitamin D derivatives; coal tar; topical steroids or Vitamin A derivatives. If you do not respond to the topical treatments, you may be referred to a dermatologist who can prescribe various treatments including phototherapy with UVA or UVB light.

Costs Prescription treatments for psoriasis are available on the NHS (see NHS.uk for more information).

Choosing a Practitioner It is always advisable to see a specialist skin doctor, also known as a dermatologist, when seeking treatment for a specific skin condition.