How can YOU minimise the effects?

PSORIASIS

What is Psoriasis and what are the symptoms?

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition which results in abnormal activation of the skin’s immune system, as well as increased cell turnover and build of the skin. Psoriasis can run in families and approximately 40% of sufferers will have a family history of psoriasis.

The most common form of psoriasis presents as red plaques with adherent thick scale. These often occur on the knees, elbows, in the umbilicus (belly button) and on the scalp. Psoriasis can look different in different skin tones – for example in darker skins, the redness won’t be as obvious.

There are a number of different types of psoriasis.

How can Dr Emma help?

Psoriasis is a systemic disorder.  This means that whilst the most visible manifestations will occur on the skin, there are subtle shifts in the internal functioning of the immune system resulting in higher levels of inflammation.  Dr Emma is aware of the importance of treating psoriasis from inside out; optimising health from the inside as well as tackling the appearance of psoriasis from the outside.

A consultation for psoriasis will include a careful assessment of your medical history and lifestyle and a careful examination of you.

What is Dr Emma’s expertise with Psoriasis?

Dr Emma is very experienced in treating psoriasis at all ages, including in children.  During her career, she has witnessed dramatic advancements in treatment options for psoriasis and we now have a much greater understanding of how psoriasis develops and how to treat it.

What are the different types of Psoriasis?

Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis appears as multiple small, round, red patches of psoriasis which are raised and sometimes scaly. This may be triggered by streptococcal infection and may be preceded by a sore throat.

Psoriatic arthopathy (Joint Psoriasis)

Joints can also become inflamed in psoriasis resulting in pain, stiffness and swelling of the joint. Any joint in the body can be affected from the small joints of your fingers and toes, to larger joints like your spine.

If you have joint involvement with psoriasis it’s very important to seek advice from a specialist rheumatologist as untreated, psoriasis can cause long term damage to the joints.

Flexural Psoriasis

In some cases psoriasis can occur in the creases of the body around the armpits and groin and genitals. This type of psoriasis can appear as red, raw patches and can be very itchy.

Nail Psoriasis

Approximately a third of people who suffer with psoriasis will have nail involvement. This may show as dipping or pitting in the nails, thickening of the nails or premature lifting of the nail plate (onycholysis). For some people, the nails will be the only area affected.

What are the treatments for Psoriasis?

Lifestyle

Ensuring a healthy lifestyle is an essential part of treating psoriasis. Optimising nutrition and making sure your BMI is within healthy range are both essential. Minimising alcohol, avoiding smoking and managing stress are also key. Psoriasis can also be associated with an increase in cardiovascular complications such as heart conditions, so it’s important to keep fit and active.

Topical treatments

There are number of different topical treatments which can help psoriasis including topical anti-inflammatories (steroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors), tar, topical retinoids and topical vitamin D Analogues. Dr Emma can create a plan to suit your individual needs which is safe and effective.

Light treatment

For more extensive psoriasis, specialist light therapy can deliver a narrow wavelength of light to reduce inflammation. This is NOT the same as a sunbed and is carefully monitored and tailored to your own’s skin response, so that it does cause damage to the skin.

Tablets

Sometimes stronger treatments are required to reduce the inflammation of psoriasis. There are a number of different options which can be discussed and considered according to your individual skin condition and background medical history.

Injections

Some of the new treatments for psoriasis are known as ‘biologics’. This means they work in a more targeted way to tackle the pathways in the immune system which cause psoriasis. These may be suitable for some who have widespread psoriasis which is not responsive to other treatments.

A Word from Dr Emma

“If psoriasis is affecting you and you want to take control of your condition, make an appointment now.”