• Shop By Category
  • NHS Prescriptions
  • Pet Meds
  • Contact Us
  • Blogs
  • Guides
  • About Us
  • All Guides
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Weight Loss
  • Hair Loss
  • Stop Smoking
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy
  • Acne
  • Eczema
  • Psoriasis
  • Men's Health
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases
  • Brexit Guide
  • Men's Health
  • Women's Health
  • Sexual Health
  • Skin
  • General health
  • Online Doctor
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Hair Loss
  • Weight Loss
  • Premature Ejaculation
  • Stop Smoking
  • Acne
  • Weight Loss
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  • Period Delay
  • Facial hair
  • Fertility
  • Thrush
  • Morning After Pill
  • Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
  • Contraception
  • Stop Smoking
  • Acne
  • Cystitis
  • Pregnancy Tests
  • STI Tests
  • Chlamydia
  • Genital Herpes
  • Ureaplasma
  • Mycoplasma
  • Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
  • Thrush
  • Lubricants
  • Condoms
  • Acne
  • Eczema
  • Facial hair
  • Psoriasis
  • Cold Sores/Herpes
  • Fungal Infection
  • Skin Care Products
  • Scars and Blemishes
  • Excessive Sweating
  • Weight Loss
  • Migraine
  • Gout
  • Arthritis
  • Coronavirus Assistance
  • Hay Fever
  • High Cholesterol
  • Vitamins
  • Acid reflux
  • Home Test Kits
  • Pain Relief
  • Lubricants
  • Indigestion/Constipation
  • Eye Care
  • Fungal Infection Treatment
  • Sickness and Diarrhoea
  • Haemorrhoids & Piles
  • Threadworms Treatment
  • Sildenafil
  • Tadalafil
  • Caverject Injections
  • Trial and Combo packs
  • Viridal Duo
  • Cialis (tadalafil)
  • Viagra
  • Muse (alprostadil)
  • Vitaros (alprostadil)
  • Spedra (avanafil)
  • Levitra (vardenafil)
  • ED Pumps and Alternative Treatments
  • All Erectile Dysfunction Products
  • Avodart
  • Propecia
  • Finasteride
  • Dutasteride
  • Regaine Solution
  • Regaine Foam
  • Alpecin
  • All Hair Loss Products
  • Orlistat
  • Xenical
  • Orlos
  • Alli
  • All Weight Loss Products
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Basket
01295 262925
Oxford Online Pharmacy UK Company Logo online pharmacy
  • 0 Items - £0.00
  • Basket
  • Shop by Medical Condition
  • NHS Prescriptions
  • Pet Meds
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Guides
    • All Guides
    • Erectile Dysfunction
    • Weight Loss
    • Hair Loss
    • Stop Smoking
    • Hormone Replacement Therapy
    • Acne
    • Eczema
    • Psoriasis
    • Men's Health
    • Sexually Transmitted Diseases
    • Brexit Guide
  • About Us
Registered Pharmacy

REGISTERED ONLINE PHARMACY

NHS registered UK Doctors.

Secure Service

COMPLETELY SECURE SERVICE

Your information is in safe hands

Fast, Free, Discreet shipping

FAST, FREE, DISCREET SHIPPING

On all standard orders over £40

Trustpilot
Registered Online Pharmacy

Registered Online Pharmacy

As part of the Frosts Pharmacy Group, a family run business established in 1925 by John Frost and now run by his grandson Stuart Gale, we are a fully registered UK pharmacy and adhere to the standards set by the General Pharmaceutical Council. We run successful high street pharmacies in Banbury and Oxford, in the UK, as well as our online chemist services.

CQC rating
Completely Secure Service

Patient Information

Dear customer,

Further to the distressing news about personal patient information being sold to third parties, I wanted to reassure all visitors to the site that any details submitted to Oxford Online Pharmacy are treated as confidential - at all times. Your personal information will never be passed on to anyone other than our medical staff.

Every member of our team is committed to delivering the best possible customer service so that you the can feel completely confident that you are getting the right advice and treatment for your needs, whether you are visiting us in one of our bricks and mortar pharmacies or you prefer to manage your healthcare needs online.

Should you have any concerns please feel free to give us a call on: 01295 262925 and we will do our utmost to answer any questions you may have.

Stuart Gale

Fast Free and Discrete Shipping

Fast Free and Discrete Shipping

All deliveries are made using the Royal Mail parcel delivery service in unbranded discreet packaging.

This means that you can purchase products from us discreetly, such as weight loss, hair loss, STD or erectile dysfunction products. As you would expect, our billing information is discreet too, ensuring you peace of mind.

  1. Home
  2. Psoriasis

Psoriasis

I need help to choose treatment Reorder
Enstilar Cutaneous Foam 60g for Psoriasis
Enstilar Cutaneous Foam 60g for Psoriasis
£69.99
 
 
Select
Enstilar Cutaneous Foam 2x60g TWIN pk for psoriasis
Enstilar Cutaneous Foam 2x60g TWIN pk for psoriasis
£129.99
 
 
Select
Dermovate Ointment (Clobetasol propionate) 100g for psoriasis
Dermovate Ointment (Clobetasol propionate) 100g for psoriasis
£24.98
 
 
Select
Dermovate Cream 30g and Calcipotriol ointment 120g for psoriasis
Dermovate Cream 30g and Calcipotriol ointment 120g for psoriasis
£64.98
 
 
Select
Dermovate Scalp Application (clobetasol) 30ml for psoriasis
Dermovate Scalp Application (clobetasol) 30ml for psoriasis
£24.99
 
 
Select
Dermovate Scalp Application (clobetasol) 100ml for psoriasis
Dermovate Scalp Application (clobetasol) 100ml for psoriasis
£34.99
 
 
Select
Elocon Cream 0.1% 30g for Psoriasis (Mometasone)
Elocon Cream 0.1% 30g for Psoriasis (Mometasone)
£18.99
 
 
Select
Elocon Ointment 0.1% 30g for Psoriasis(Mometasone)
Elocon Ointment 0.1% 30g for Psoriasis(Mometasone)
£18.99
 
 
Select
Elocon Ointment 0.1% 100g for Psoriasis (Mometasone)
Elocon Ointment 0.1% 100g for Psoriasis (Mometasone)
£28.79
 
 
Select
Mometasone Furoate Ointment 0.1% 100g
Mometasone Furoate Ointment 0.1% 100g
£27.99
 
 
Select
Elocon Scalp Lotion 0.1% 30ml for Psoriasis (Mometasone)
Elocon Scalp Lotion 0.1% 30ml for Psoriasis (Mometasone)
£18.95
 
 
Select
Elocon Cream 0.1% 100g for Psoriasis (Mometasone)
Elocon Cream 0.1% 100g for Psoriasis (Mometasone)
£28.79
 
 
Select
Betnovate Cream 0.1% 100g (Betamethasone)
Betnovate Cream 0.1% 100g (Betamethasone)
£14.98
 
 
Select
Betnovate Ointment 0.1% 100g (Betamethasone)
Betnovate Ointment 0.1% 100g (Betamethasone)
£14.98
 
 
Select
Betamethasone Cream 0.1% 30g
Betamethasone Cream 0.1% 30g
£11.95
 
 
Select
Betamethasone Cream 0.1% 100g
Betamethasone Cream 0.1% 100g
£14.98
 
 
Select
Betamethasone Ointment 0.1% 30g
Betamethasone Ointment 0.1% 30g
£11.95
 
 
Select
Betamethasone Ointment 0.1% 100g
Betamethasone Ointment 0.1% 100g
£14.98
 
 
Select
Betnovate Ointment 0.1% 30g (Betamethasone)
Betnovate Ointment 0.1% 30g (Betamethasone)
£11.95
 
 
Select
Bettamousse Foam Mousse 0.1% 100g
Bettamousse Foam Mousse 0.1% 100g
£34.99
 
 
Select
Betnovate Cream 0.1% 30g (Betamethasone)
Betnovate Cream 0.1% 30g (Betamethasone)
£11.95
 
 
Select
Betacap (Betamethasone) Scalp Application 0.1% 100ml
Betacap (Betamethasone) Scalp Application 0.1% 100ml
£15.95
 
 
Select
Betnovate (Betamethasone) Scalp Application 0.1% 100ml
Betnovate (Betamethasone) Scalp Application 0.1% 100ml
£15.95
 
 
Select
Diprosalic Scalp Application 100ml for psoriasis
Diprosalic Scalp Application 100ml for psoriasis
£34.99
 
 
Select
Diprosalic Ointment 30g for psoriasis
Diprosalic Ointment 30g for psoriasis
£18.99
 
 
Select
Diprosalic Ointment 100g for psoriasis
Diprosalic Ointment 100g for psoriasis
£32.99
 
 
Select
Mometasone Furoate Cream 0.1% 30g
Mometasone Furoate Cream 0.1% 30g
£18.99
 
 
Select
Mometasone Furoate Cream 0.1% 100g
Mometasone Furoate Cream 0.1% 100g
£27.99
 
 
Select
Dovonex Ointment 50mcg (blue) 30g (Calcipotriol)
Dovonex Ointment 50mcg (blue) 30g (Calcipotriol)
£26.99
 
 
Select
Dovobet Ointment 30g (RED) calcipotriol and betamethasone
Dovobet Ointment 30g (RED) calcipotriol and betamethasone
£39.99
 
 
Select
Diprosone Cream 0.05% 100g
Diprosone Cream 0.05% 100g
£26.99
 
 
Select
Diprosone lotion 0.05% 100ml
Diprosone lotion 0.05% 100ml
£29.99
 
 
Select
Dovobet Gel 120g (2x60g)
Dovobet Gel 120g (2x60g)
£129.99
 
 
Select
DovoBET Ointment 60g (RED)calcipotriol and betamethasone
DovoBET Ointment 60g (RED)calcipotriol and betamethasone
£65.98
 
 
Select
Dovobet Ointment 120g calcipotriol and betamethasone
Dovobet Ointment 120g  calcipotriol and betamethasone
£111.98
 
 
Select
Dovobet Gel 60g
Dovobet Gel 60g
£69.99
 
 
Select
Calcipotriol Ointment 50mcg 120g
Calcipotriol Ointment 50mcg 120g
£49.99
 
 
Select
Hydrocortisone 1% Cream 30g
Hydrocortisone 1% Cream 30g
£14.99
 
 
Select
Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment 30g
Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment 30g
£14.99
 
 
Select
Etrivex (Clobetasol) medicated shampoo 500 mcg 125ml
Etrivex (Clobetasol) medicated shampoo 500 mcg 125ml
£27.99
 
 
Select
Diprosone Ointment 0.05% 30g
Diprosone Ointment 0.05% 30g
£18.99
 
 
Select
Silkis Ointment 3mcg 100g (Calcitriol)
Silkis Ointment 3mcg 100g (Calcitriol)
£47.99
 
 
Select
Protopic Ointment 0.03% 30g for psoriasis (GREEN)
Protopic Ointment 0.03% 30g for psoriasis (GREEN)
£45.99
 
 
Select
Terbinafine Cream 1% 30g
Terbinafine Cream 1% 30g
£19.99
 
 
Select
Dermalex Psoriasis Treatment Cream 60g
Dermalex Psoriasis Treatment Cream 60g
£19.99
 
 
Select
Epaderm Ointment 500g moisturising for eczema psoriasis and dry skin
Epaderm Ointment 500g moisturising for eczema psoriasis and dry skin
£11.99
 
 
Select
Neutrogena T-Gel Shampoo 250ml for scalp psoriasis and dandfruff
Neutrogena T-Gel Shampoo 250ml for scalp psoriasis and dandfruff
£7.99
 
 
Select
Calcipotriol 50mcg/ml Scalp Solution 60ml for psoriasis
Calcipotriol 50mcg/ml Scalp Solution 60ml for psoriasis
£74.99
 
 
Select
Capasal Shampoo Coal Tar Salicylic Acid and Coconut Oil 250ml
Capasal Shampoo Coal Tar Salicylic Acid and Coconut Oil 250ml
£7.51
 
 
Select
Polytar Scalp Shampoo Coal Tar Solution 4% 150ml
Polytar Scalp Shampoo Coal Tar Solution 4% 150ml
 
Out of Stock
 
Select
Mometasone Furoate Ointment 0.1% 30g
Mometasone Furoate Ointment 0.1% 30g
 
Out of Stock
 
Select
Dithrocream 0.25% 50g (DITHRANOL)
Dithrocream 0.25% 50g (DITHRANOL)
 
Out of Stock
 
Select
Diprosone Cream 0.05% 30g
Diprosone Cream 0.05% 30g
 
Out of Stock
 
Select
Diprosone Ointment 0.05% 100g
Diprosone Ointment 0.05% 100g
 
Out of Stock
 
Select
Dithrocream 1% 50g (DITHRANOL)
Dithrocream 1% 50g (DITHRANOL)
 
Out of Stock
 
Select
Dithrocream 2% 50g (DITHRANOL)
Dithrocream 2% 50g (DITHRANOL)
 
Out of Stock
 
Select
Dithrocream 0.1% Dithranol for psoriasis 50g
Dithrocream 0.1% Dithranol for psoriasis 50g
 
Out of Stock
 
Select

PSORIASIS: WHAT CAUSES IT AND WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.

In its most common form it consists of thick, scaly plaques that are pinkish red in colour and tinged with a silvery white scale. The commonest sites affected are the scalp, outer surface of knees and elbows. However, there are several other types. It can present at any age, including in childhood, however most cases occur between 15-25 years and 50-60 years of age. Psoriasis is associated with several other medical conditions including obesity, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 Diabetes and also other inflammatory conditions including arthritis and coeliac disease.

It poses a significant burden both physically and psychologically as it can be difficult to treat.

Why has Psoriasis affected me?

Genetic factors: these play a large part; 30% of people with one first degree relative affected will go on to develop the condition. If two relatives are affected, this rises to approximately 60 %

Lifestyle factors: Psoriasis is more common in people with Metabolic Syndrome, this is an umbrella term used to group together conditions that are closely related, such as obesity, high blood pressure, Type 2 Diabetes, and high cholesterol. Smoking and alcohol are also thought to be risk factors. Stress can also trigger and exacerbate psoriasis.

Drugs: some drugs can trigger psoriasis; others can make the condition worse. In the first situation, the condition is likely to resolve completely on discontinuation of the drug, in the second this is increasingly unlikely to happen.

Is there a Cure for Psoriasis?

Our understanding of psoriasis is improving. We know that it is caused by accelerated growth of cells in the top layer of the skin, the epidermis. Normally they would regenerate every 28 days but in this condition this occurs every 2-4 days, causing the characteristic plaques. Inflammation of the skin also occurs, although what drives this process is still unclear. We can target treatments against these causative factors, with a wide array of therapies available. Currently, however, there is no cure or single treatment that is guaranteed to work.

How can Psoriasis be treated?

Lifestyle Measures

Weight loss, reduction in alcohol consumption and stress levels, smoking cessation and blood pressure control can improve the condition.

Certain drugs which may either induce or provoke psoriasis should be avoided. These include Beta blockers, antimalarial tablets, Lithium, Nonsteroidal Anti- Inflammatory drugs, and some antibiotics.

Sun exposure tends to dramatically improve Psoriasis by having an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. Exposure should be limited to 30 minutes at a time. Care should be taken to avoid the hottest times of day (12pm-2pm) and to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. This is both to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer and because sunburn can cause psoriasis to flare.

Can Psoriasis be improved by certain diets?

An observational study published by JAMA Dermatology found that people with psoriasis who followed a Mediterranean diet, that is one rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, wholegrains, and extra virgin olive oil experienced fewer flare ups. However, this was only an association, and more studies are needed.

Does Psoriasis cause skin cancer?

There is no clear establishment of cause and effect, however, in a recent study published in 2019 in JAMA Dermatology, researchers found an association between Psoriasis and an increased risk of developing several cancers including oesophagus, kidney colon and larynx. However more studies are needed to look at lifestyle and other factors that may play a role. There is a more established link between psoriasis and non-melanoma skin cancers.

What about medical treatments?

General measures

A good general regime for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis would be to use a soap substitute such as Aqueous cream or Aveeno Daily Moisturising Body Cleansing Oil followed by a bath additive such as Balneum Plus Bath Oil. After bathing, the generous application of an emollient is recommended. This softens the skin and adds moisture, improving the scaling and irritation. The regular use of emollients and moisturisers softens psoriasis and adds moisture to the skin. Aveeno Moisturising Cream would be one option, or for more scaly areas perhaps Diprobase Cream Emollient or Hydromol Ointment. It is important to note that emollients are often flammable so care needs to be taken near open flames; caution is also advised when stepping into the bath as they may be very slippery.

Medicated treatments

Several treatments may need to be tried before the best treatment regime can be ascertained, with different treatments sometimes being used at the same time, or in succession.

Further treatment of psoriasis will depend on severity of disease as well as disease type.

Psoriasis affecting the trunk and limbs.

The National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE) recommends the use of a potent steroid for example Betnovate Cream or Mometasone furoate 0.1% once daily in the morning together with Calcipotriol (Vitamin D derivative) ointment in the evening for a period of four weeks as the initial treatment. The steroid works by reducing inflammation and the Calcipotriol reduces the overgrowth of skin cells and promotes formation of normal skin cells.

If this treatment is not effective, steroids and Vitamin D derivatives can be used in combination. These may be in the form of a cream such as Dovobet Cream or Dovobet Gel, or a foam preparation for example, Enstilar Cutaneous Foam, which may aid ease of application.

If steroids and Vitamin D derivatives do not work either alone or in combination, dithranol in the form of Dithrocream may be worth a try. This should not be applied on sensitive areas such as the face or on inflamed skin. The lowest strength cream should be applied (Dithrocream 0.25%) once a day and left on for 30-60 minutes before washing off, with weekly increases in strength if required. Treatment can be for up to 6 weeks. Dithranol can cause skin irritation, staining of skin and fabrics.

Coal tar products are another alternative. They are an effective treatment for psoriasis but have gone out of favour as they are messy to apply and have a distinctive odour and can cause staining of skin and clothes. Exactly how coal tar works is not understood but it appears to reduce inflammation, itching and normalise skin growth.

As a general rule, treatments should be reviewed at four-week intervals and potent steroids should not be used on the same area of skin for more than eight weeks at a time. Treatments can be repeated if needed after a break of four weeks.

Scalp psoriasis

This presents with a flaky redness with presence of scale. Common at the nape of the neck.

A coal tar shampoo such as Polytar Scalp Shampoo may be sufficient to treat mild cases. In more severe cases this may need to be combined with a steroid scalp application for example Betacap Scalp Application or Bettamousse Foam Mousse. Other possibilities include Dermovate Scalp Application and Etrivex Clobetasol Medicated Shampoo. It may also be worth using an agent to remove scale containing Salicylic acid such as Diprosalic Scalp Application. Vitamin D derivatives such as Calcipotriol scalp application can also be used either on their own or in combination with steroids.

Psoriasis of the face, flexures and genitals.

In the flexures (skin folds) this often appears red and shiny with no scaling. On the face redness is present with fine white flakes, scaling may be present.

This should be treated with a mild or moderately potent steroid such as 1% Hydrocortisone or Eumovate Cream for 1-2 weeks. Treatment can be repeated, so long as steroids are not used for more than 2 weeks each month. Steroid treatment should not be on a continuous basis as it can cause thinning of the skin. If there is danger of this occurring, it is worthwhile trying a Calcineurin inhibitor such as Protopic ointment. This should be prescribed by a doctor experienced in treating psoriasis.

Guttate Psoriasis

This is the rapid development of raindrop type red plaques over the limbs, chest and trunk. It usually follows a throat infection by a bacteria called Streptococcus Pyogenes. Treatment is not always needed, as often it resolves naturally within 3-4 weeks. The same treatments that are used for plaque Psoriasis can be used, however steroid creams should only be used to treat localized areas.

What if none of these treatments work?

Then a specialist assessment is needed by a Consultant Dermatologist who may consider phototherapy, strong oral medications such as Methotrexate or Acitretin or biological agents such as Adalimumab. All of these require very careful monitoring.

Authored on 28 July 2021

Stuart Gale

Stuart Gale - BSc (hons) MRPharmS

Superintendent Pharmacist and Owner

GPhC Number: 2039889

Reviewed on 29 July 2021

Robert Bradshaw

Robert Bradshaw - MRPharms BSc(Hons) Pharmacy

Pharmacist Manager & Lead Clinical Pharmacist

GPhC Number: 2036118

Need Help - Psoriasis

Please provide as much information as you can, to enable us to give you the best possible advice.

Please provide either an email address, phone number or both so we can respond.

Related Blog Articles

writing

Common psoriasis and eczema triggers

Generic hero image

How much should you pay for treating your skin condition?

hands

Does Arthritis Affect Your Skin?

Registered Pharmacy
Low Price Guarantee

If you find exact treatment
cheaper elsewhere, we will refund the difference.

Expert advice from our pharmacists

Latest discounts and promotions

Tailored advice for your health condition

Care Quality Commission
  • Hair Loss Treatment
  • Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
  • Eczema
  • Weight Loss
  • Psoriasis
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy - HRT
  • Acne Treatment
  • Acid Reflux Treatment & Heartburn Relief
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
  • STI Tests
  • Gout Treatment & Medication
  • Contraceptive Pills & Birth Control
  • Cystitis Treatment & Relief
  • Cold Sore Treatments & Remedies
  • Migraine Medication
  • High Cholesterol
  • Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Treatment
  • Chlamydia
  • Coronavirus Assistance
  • Facial Hair Removal For Women
  • Fertility
  • Genital Herpes
  • Genital Wart Cream & Treatments
  • Hay Fever & Allergy Relief
  • Malaria
  • Period Delay Tablets
  • Premature Ejaculation
  • Stop Smoking
  • Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma
CQC logo
Frosts (Online) Limited
CQC overall rating
Good
9 July 2019
See the report
Free Delivery
Meet our Doctors
Meet our Pharmacist

Customer Services

  • Contact Us
  • Returns Policy
  • Delivery Information
  • Payment Information
  • NHS Services

Help

  • FAQs
  • Blog
  • Spotting Fake Medications
  • Treatment Guides
  • Brexit Q&A

About

  • About Us
  • Press Coverage
  • Our History
  • Privacy Policy
  • Legal Terms

Our Stores

  • Frosts Pharmacy
  • Marston Pharmacy
  • Northway Pharmacy
Verified by Visa Logo
Care Quality Commission
What is this?

© 2022 Oxford Online Pharmacy. All rights reserved.
Oxford Online Pharmacy is a trading name of Frosts (Online) Ltd, registered in England and Wales, Company number: 11232746
Registered office address: Unit 7 Apollo Business Park Ironstone Lane, Wroxton Banbury, Oxon, United Kingdom, OX15 6AY

Our website uses cookies. By continuing we assume your permission to use these cookies. To find out more see our Cookie Policy.Close