How To Treat Psoriasis

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin condition diagnosed by the appearance of crusty, flaky, red patches covered with silvery scales that are often referred to as plaques when on the skin. It affects about 2% of the UK population and is not contagious. Sufferers tend to get small patches of Psoriasis mainly on their elbows, lower back, knees and scalp, but they can appear anywhere, including the hands and feet and even the nails.

Symptoms

The severity of the symptoms can vary from person to person. The affected areas may be itchy and sore and will tend to come and go in stages. In severe cases, Psoriasis can cause cracking and bleeding of the skin which can become infected. Sufferers can also find themselves feeling anxious and depressed due to the appearance of the skin. In around 30% of sufferers, Psoriasis will develop into Psoriatic Arthritis which causes joints to become swollen, painful and stiff. If you think you have psoriasis speak to your GP who will provide a diagnosis and advise on the best course of action.

What Causes Psoriasis?

The exact cause of Psoriasis is not fully understood but it is thought to be related to the immune system attacking healthy skin cells by mistake.

Psoriasis sufferers experience an increase in the production of skin cells. Normally, skin cells are replaced every three to four weeks, but with Psoriasis the process lasts about three to seven days. It is this build up of skin cells that causes the tell tale Psoriasis patches.

Psoriasis often runs in families and can be caused by certain triggers including: injury to the skin, a throat infection, or the use of certain medicines.

How Can Psoriasis Be Managed?

If you have severe Psoriasis, knowing your triggers and avoiding them where possible can help you to manage your condition.

Triggers may include:

•Stress
•Smoking
•Ecessive Drinking
•Sun Damage

Psoriasis Treatment

There is no cure for Psoriasis, but a range of medication can improve the symptoms and appearance of the affected skin patches. These include various topical creams and ointments, which are applied directly to the affected skin or added to the sufferer’s bath water. Other stronger medications are available on prescription. For further information please see our online GP consultation service:

https://www.oxfordonlinepharmacy.co.uk/psoriasis

Other Treatments

Moisturisers and emollients have been found by the Psoriasis Association to decrease the dryness, scaling, cracking, soreness and itching typically associated with psoriatic skin.

In severe cases, phototherapy can be used. This involves exposing the skin to certain types of ultraviolet light. Other treatments for severe Psoriasis cases include systemic treatments, where medicines are taken orally or injected, and these work throughout the whole body. However this is usually initiated only after specialist involvement.

Psoriasis Facts:

•Men and women can be equally affected
•It can appear at any age, but first signs usually appear under the age of 35
•It tends to come and go unpredictably.
•It does not scar the skin although sometimes it can cause a temporary increase or reduction in skin pigmentation
•Psoriasis can affect the nails and the joints as well as the skin
•For about 50% of sufferers, Psoriasis affects the nails

FAQ

Q: How do I know if my skin condition is indeed Psoriasis?

A: If a diagnosis is required, the nature of the dry skin patches will help our doctor to assess the nature of your condition. The more information you can share, including photos of the affected areas, the better equipped the doctor will be to diagnose appropriately.

Q: What are the symptoms of Psoriasis?

A: Symptoms include crusty, flaky, red patches covered with silvery scales that are often referred to as plaques when on the skin. The affected areas of skin may be itchy and sore and will tend to come and go in stages. In severe cases, Psoriasis can cause cracking and bleeding of the skin which can become infected.

Q: Does the fact that I have Psoriasis mean I have poor hygiene?

A: No, there is no evidence to suggest that poor hygiene plays a role in developing Psoriasis

Q: What is Psoriasis?

A: Psoriasis is a skin condition diagnosed by the appearance of crusty, flaky, red patches covered with silvery scales that are often referred to as plaques when on the skin.

Q: Is Psoriasis contagious?

A: No, Psoriasis is not contagious.

Q: How many people are affected by Psoriasis?

A: It affects about 2% of the UK population.

Q: Where is Psoriasis most likely to appear?

A: Sufferers tend to get small patches of Psoriasis mainly on their elbows, lower back, knees and scalp, but they can appear anywhere, including the hands and feet and even the nails.

Q: What kind of triggers might be making my skin worse?

A: Triggers often associated with Psoriasis outbreaks include: certain medicines, stress, injury to the skin, smoking, excessive drinking and sun damage.

Q: Is there a cure for Psoriasis?

A: No, there is no cure for Psoriasis, however there are many types of medication that can improve the symptoms and appearance of the affected skin patches.

Q: Do moisturisers work?

A: Yes. Moisturisers and emollients have been found to decrease the dryness, scaling, cracking, soreness and itching typically associated with psoriatic skin.

Q: What is phototherapy?

A: Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to certain types of ultraviolet light to help ease the symptoms of severe Psoriasis.

Q: Does it affect men or women more?

A: Both men or women can be equally affected by Psoriasis

Q: Does it affect certain age groups?

A: Psoriasis can appear at any age, but first signs usually appear under the age of 35

Q: Does Psoriasis cause scarring?

A: No, it does not scar the skin although sometimes it can cause a temporary increase or reduction in skin pigmentation.

For further information visit:

https://www.psoriasis-association.org.uk/psoriasis-and-treatments/faq

Authored by Stuart Gale, on 13 September 2018. Reviewed by Robert Bradshaw, on 14 December 2018.