Psoriasis

Psoriasis plaque

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a common autoimmune skin condition that causes itchy, scaly patches. This means that your body's immune system is working in overdrive, mistaking healthy skin cells for foreign invaders and producing more skin cells than they should. Thus, it looks like thick skin covered in scales. They can also be flakey and painful, which may make it difficult to sleep or concentrate.  

They occur most commonly on these areas of the body:

  • Knees
  • Elbows
  • Scalp
  • Trunk

Still a mystery

Psoriasis is a long term condition which occurs in cycles - episodes of 'flare-ups' happen for a few weeks to a few months each time, and then it subsides for a while. The exact causes are unknown, but it is often associated with increased stress, infection or injury to the skin, or certain medications. 

People often develop joint stiffness and pain, a condition known as psoriatic arthritis.

Lotion

Long-term Management

There are many ways to treat the symptoms of psoriasis, including steroid creams, moisturisers, and other medicated ointments.

Our skin care specialists will formulate a personalised treatment plan based on your age, overall health, severity of the rash and location of the rash, to provide the best care. 

For more information, please visit: DermNet