Treating psoriasis

As the largest organ in the human body, the skin needs your care and attention. Despite its incredible protective abilities, the skin’s complex structure leaves it prone to the onset of several conditions, including psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that is blighted by misconceptions. Often thought to be contagious or the result of poor hygiene, the truth about psoriasis couldn’t be more different.

What is psoriasis?

Contrary to popular belief, psoriasis isn’t just dry skin. It is in fact a chronic disease that causes the skin to develop scaly patches. These patches vary in appearance, with the affected areas looking pink, red, purple or dark brown in colour depending on skin tone. The scales themselves may appear white, silver or grey.

Patches may crack, bleed, itch, burn or become sore. Joint pain and swelling are also common in psoriasis sufferers.

What causes psoriasis?

The dry, scaly patches that are the main symptom of psoriasis are caused by the overproduction of skin cells. This is the result of an immunity problem. Symptoms are also generally experienced as flare-ups by sufferers, with the condition varying in severity each time.

There is more than one type of psoriasis, the most common being plaque psoriasis, scalp psoriasis, nail psoriasis, guttate psoriasis and inverse psoriasis.

Who is most at risk?

Psoriasis is a condition that can affect people of all ages and from all walks of life. Some sufferers have a family history of psoriasis.

The onset of psoriasis flare-ups can also be triggered by a long list of factors. This includes but is not limited to skin injuries, alcohol, smoking, stress, hormonal changes, use of certain medications, infections (particularly throat infections), obesity, and vitamin deficiencies. Many sufferers also see psoriasis symptoms worsen during the colder seasons.

Can psoriasis be cured?

Unfortunately, no cure is yet to be found for psoriasis, but symptoms can be treated and managed. We regularly support people with psoriasis, giving them access to a number of treatment options. Topical treatments, light therapy, oral medications, biologic therapies (that treat underlying problems with immunity) and systemic medications (including immunosuppressants) are all commonly explored.

We may also recommend making certain lifestyle changes to successfully manage symptoms, with the use of stress management techniques and the pursuit of a healthy, more balanced diet both having a positive impact of psoriasis symptoms.

Ready to take control of your psoriasis symptoms? Contact us today to book your consultation.