Psoriasis

Name: Psoriasis
SKU: 226
Price: 35.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

From £35.00

Suffering from Psoriasis? Let us help you

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes the rapid buildup of skin cells, leading to scaling on the skin’s surface on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. Inflammation and redness around the scales are common, and the condition can range from mild to severe.

Psoriasis is not contagious, but it is a lifelong condition with no cure that can have significant physical and emotional effects. It can be uncomfortable and can affect your everyday life. The problem tends to flare up for a few weeks or months, then can subside for a while. Infections, burns and certain medicines are common triggers in patients who have a hereditary susceptibility to psoriasis. There are treatments available for managing symptoms. You can also experiment with different lifestyle habits and coping skills to help you live a better life with psoriasis.

£35.00

What are the different types of Psoriasis?

There are several types of psoriasis, each of which varies in its signs and symptoms:

Plaque psoriasis
The most common kind of psoriasis, which causes dry, itchy, raised skin patches (plaques) coated in scales. There could be a few or many. They are most commonly found on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp.

Nail psoriasis
Psoriasis can cause pitting, irregular nail development, and discolouration of the fingernails and toes. Psoriatic nails may become loose and detached from the nail bed (onycholysis). The nail may collapse if the illness is severe.

Guttate psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis is more common in young people and children. It is typically caused by a bacterial infection, such as strep throat. Small, drop-shaped, scaling patches on the trunk, limbs, or legs.

Inverse psoriasis
The skin folds of the crotch, buttocks, and breasts are the most commonly affected by inverse psoriasis. It generates smooth, inflammatory patches of skin that increase with friction and perspiration. Fungal infections can cause this type of psoriasis.
A uncommon form of psoriasis known as pustular psoriasis generates clearly defined pus-filled blisters. It can appear in large patches or in little spots on the palms or soles.

Erythrodermic psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis is the least frequent kind of psoriasis and can span the entire body with a flaking rash that can itch or burn strongly. It can be acute or chronic (long-term).

What are the causes of Psoriasis?

Several factors can contribute to the development and flare-ups of psoriasis:

Genetics:

Psoriasis often runs in families. If one or both of your parents have psoriasis, you are more likely to develop it.

Immune System:

In psoriasis, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, speeding up the production of new skin cells. This causes the rapid buildup of skin cells that form scales and plaques.

Triggers:

Various factors can trigger or worsen psoriasis, including:
- Infections: Streptococcal throat infections are known triggers.
- Stress: Can weaken the immune system and trigger a flare-up.
- Injury to the Skin: Cuts, scrapes, bug bites, or severe sunburn can trigger psoriasis in some people (Koebner phenomenon).
- Certain Medications: Some medications, like lithium, antimalarials, and beta-blockers, can trigger or worsen psoriasis.
- Cold Weather: Dry, cold weather can cause the skin to become dry and trigger psoriasis.
- Alcohol and Smoking: Both can make symptoms worst.

What are the symptoms of Psoriasis?

The symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on the type and severity:

Red Patches of Skin: Covered with thick, silvery scales.

Dry, Cracked Skin: That may bleed.

Itching, Burning, or Soreness: Around patches.

Thickened or Ridged Nails: Often associated with nail psoriasis.

Swollen and Stiff Joints: In cases of psoriatic arthritis.

What is the treatment of Psoriasis?

There is no cure, treatment is for the management of the condition, our clinicians can treat most patients. Topical treatment is as follows:

Corticosteroids

Salicylic acid

Vitamin D analogues

Emollients creams

If the condition does not respond to topical treatment, you may need to be referred to a dermatologist for:

Phototherapy- exposing skin to ultraviolent light.

Oral or injected medication.

Our clinicians can diagnose and recommend the right treatment for you. It is important to attach pictures (non-intimate areas) if you choose the telephone consultation option. Pictures are not required for video consultations.

Speak to your regular GP urgently if:

The psoriasis becomes severe or widespread

Treatment seems to have no effect.

You have pain and discomfort

Concerned about the appearance of your skin.

Eczema is a similar condition to psoriasis, please click the link to find out more:/product/eczema/