Comprehensive Care for Psoriasis: Personalised Treatment for Long-Term Relief
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes red, scaly, inflamed patches on the skin. It occurs when the immune system overstimulates skin cell production, leading to the rapid buildup of skin cells that form thick, silvery plaques. While it most commonly affects the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back, it can appear anywhere on the body, including the nails and joints.
Psoriasis is a lifelong condition that fluctuates in severity, with periods of flare-ups and remission. Although not contagious, it can be uncomfortable, itchy, and even painful, often impacting daily life and self-esteem. While there is no cure, advanced medical treatments can reduce inflammation, slow cell turnover, and control symptoms effectively.
Psoriasis at a glance
✔ Plaque Psoriasis (Psoriasis Vulgaris) – The most common type, characterised by thick, red patches with silvery-white scales.
✔ Guttate Psoriasis – Small, droplet-like red spots often triggered by infections or illness.
✔ Inverse Psoriasis – Smooth, shiny red patches in skin folds (e.g., under the breasts, armpits, or groin).
✔ Pustular Psoriasis – Painful, white pustules on red, inflamed skin, often affecting hands and feet.
✔ Erythrodermic Psoriasis – A rare but severe form causing widespread redness, scaling, and peeling, requiring urgent medical care.
✔ Scalp Psoriasis – Red, scaly plaques affecting the hairline, scalp, and behind the ears, often mistaken for dandruff.
✔ Nail Psoriasis – Causes pitting, thickening, and crumbling of the nails, often leading to nail detachment.
✔ Psoriatic Arthritis – Affects joints as well as the skin, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling, and potentially leading to joint damage if untreated.
✔ Genetics – Psoriasis often runs in families, with certain genes increasing susceptibility.
✔ Immune System Dysfunction – An overactive immune response triggers inflammation and excessive skin cell turnover.
✔ Infections – Bacterial and viral infections, such as strep throat, can trigger guttate psoriasis.
✔ Stress – Emotional and physical stress worsens inflammation and increases flare-ups.
✔ Skin Injuries (Koebner Phenomenon) – Cuts, scrapes, sunburn, or tattoos can trigger new psoriasis patches.
✔ Weather Changes – Cold, dry weather can dry out the skin and worsen symptoms.
✔ Medications – Certain drugs, including beta-blockers, NSAIDs, and lithium, may trigger or worsen psoriasis.
✔ Hormonal Changes – Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can influence psoriasis severity.
✔ Alcohol & Smoking – Both are known to exacerbate psoriasis and interfere with treatment.
✔ Topical Treatments – Prescription creams, such as corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, and calcineurin inhibitors, help reduce inflammation and scaling.
✔ Phototherapy (UVB Light Therapy) – Controlled exposure to UVB light slows cell turnover, reducing inflammation and plaque buildup.
✔ Oral & Injectable Medications – Includes methotrexate, cyclosporine, and biologics, which modulate the immune system to control symptoms.
✔ Biologic Therapies (Injectables) – Target specific immune pathways involved in psoriasis, offering long-term control.
✔ Scalp Psoriasis Treatments – Medicated shampoos, steroid solutions, and tar-based treatments help relieve flaking and irritation.
✔ Lifestyle & Dietary Modifications – Maintaining a healthy diet, reducing stress, and avoiding triggers can help minimise flare-ups.
Treatments We offer for Psoriasis
Topical steroids, vitamin D creams, and oral treatments tailored to your psoriasis type.
We offer UVB Light Therapy, a Medicare-rebatable treatment proven to reduce inflammation and slow skin turnover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system, leading to excessive skin cell production and inflammation. Genetics and environmental triggers play a role.
No, psoriasis is not contagious—it is an autoimmune condition, not an infection.
There is no cure, but with proper treatment, symptoms can be well-controlled and flare-ups minimised.
Treatment depends on severity. Mild psoriasis responds well to topical creams, while moderate-to-severe cases may require phototherapy, biologics, or systemic medications.
Yes, some patients find that reducing processed foods, dairy, alcohol, and sugar helps manage flare-ups. Anti-inflammatory diets may provide benefits.
Yes, stress is a major trigger. Managing stress through exercise, mindfulness, and healthy sleep can help reduce flare-ups.
Phototherapy slows down excessive skin cell turnover and reduces inflammation, providing relief with minimal side effects.
Biologic medications target specific parts of the immune system responsible for psoriasis, reducing inflammation and improving symptoms.
Yes, up to 30% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
If you experience joint pain, stiffness, or swelling along with psoriasis, consult a dermatologist for assessment.
Psoriasis varies from person to person—some experience improvement, while others may have progressive symptoms.
Yes, both increase inflammation and may reduce the effectiveness of treatments.
Eczema is typically itchy and dry, while psoriasis has thicker, scaly plaques with well-defined borders. A dermatologist can differentiate the two.
Yes, nail psoriasis can cause pitting, thickening, and crumbling, sometimes leading to nail loss.
Fill out our online consultation form, and our dermatologists will assess your condition and recommend a tailored treatment plan.