Psoriasis

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that affects 2% of the UK population. It occurs when the skin replaces itself too quickly.
Normally the skin replaces itself in 28 days, but in psoriasis the process occurs in just 4 days. As a result the skin appears to be covered in red, flaky and crusty patches.
Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body; The most commonly affected areas are the knees, elbows and scalp.

Can anybody get psoriasis?

Yes. Anybody can get psoriasis, but it does have a tendency to run in families. However, just because someone in the family has psoriasis does not necessarily mean that their children will get it. Most people first have symptoms between the ages of 11 and 45 years, often at puberty.
The cause of psoriasis is unknown, but a number of factors may trigger a first attack in those who are vulnerable to it. For example a skin injury, a throat infection or certain drugs used to treat other conditions. As with other diseases, stress may make psoriasis worse.

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Can psoriasis be treated?

Yes. Although there is currently no cure for psoriasis, more than a third of people stop getting symptoms for long periods of time. Some people find that psoriasis can get better by itself. Most people, however, need the help of treatment applied to the affected skin.
Such therapies include treatments to be added to the bath, emollients (moisturisers), tar preparations, vitamin D and steroid creams, lotions and ointments. Most treatments need be applied only where there are patches of psoriasis. You should follow your doctor's instructions carefully and take care to read the instruction leaflet in the treatment pack.
Some treatments are more cosmetically acceptable than others. The greasiest ointments are best at preventing dryness, but many people prefer lighter creams which are absorbed by the skin more easily.
Peopfe with more severe psoriasis may need to be referred to a hospital dermatologist. This enables stronger treatments to be used. Ultra-violet light therapy (exposure to a particular type of light) will benefit some of these people.

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Different types of psoriasis

• Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis and affects the elbows, knees and lower back. Red, raised, crusty patches appear which can flake and shed many scales.
• Flexural psoriasis is when the skin is red and shiny. It occurs in skin creases such as the armpits, under the breasts, between the buttocks, and in the groin.
• Pustular psoriasis is when tiny yellow blisters appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
• Guttate psoriasis is when lots of tiny patches of psoriasis appear all over the body. It is most common in children who have suffered a streptococcal throat infection.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis is a serious condition in which huge areas of skin become hot, red and dry. Hospital treatment is necessary.
• Scalp psoriasis is a build up of scaling on the scalp.
• Nail psoriasis is when the nails become pitted or separated from the nail bed.
• Arthritis associated with psoriasis is called psoriatic arthropathy. It affects 20% of people with psoriasis and can range from mild to rarely very severe psoriatic arthropathy affecting many joints.

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Take action now

• If possible, learn to relax and avoid stress; stress can make your psoriasis worse.
• Use skin softeners and moisturisers regularly to help keep your skin supple and prevent soreness and dryness.
• Apply treatments exactly as your doctor tells you to; it is important to continue treatment if told to, even if your psoriasis clears up.

Further information

This factsheet supported by LEO

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