Skin and Hair Specialists in Ramanagar

Your Trusted Dermatology Clinic

Psoriasis Treatment

Psoriasis is a common skin disease affecting approximately 2% of the population. In psoriasis, skin cells divide more quickly than normal. The excess, skin cells build-up to create flaky, red patches of skin that become inflamed and can make the skin feel itchy. Usually the patches can cover a small area of skin, most often on the elbows, knees, scalp or lower back, but can also be widespread. Psoriasis can also cause brittle nails and is sometimes associated with arthritis.

Types of psoriasis

Psoriasis can occur in a number of clinical patterns. These are:

Chronic plaque

The most common type, chronic plaque usually appears on the knees, elbow and scalp. Symptoms include red or pink inflamed patches of skin with white scaling

Sebopsoriasis

This is similar to scalp psoriasis but can occur on the armpits, chest, face or groin.

Erythrodermic

This extensive form of psoriasis can cover more than 90% of the skin.

Flexural

Flexural psoriasis causes red, raw areas of skin in the armpits, groin or under the breasts.

Guttate

This type of psoriasis causes multiple small spots of psoriasis that erupt on the torso after an illness or sore throat.

Palmoplantar pustular

With this type of psoriasis, inflamed spots filled with pus appear on the soles and palms.

Pustular

This is the most severe form of psoriasis and causes red, tender skin lesions with pus-filled pots.

How is psoriasis treated?

There is no long-term cure for psoriasis, but our dermatologists use a range of treatments to clear up the skin patches and soothe symptoms. The type of treatment chosen will depend on the severity and type of psoriasis and our consultant dermatologists will usually begin with a mild treatment before moving onto stronger options if these prove ineffective for you.

Topical treatments

Topical treatments include creams or ointments applied to the affected area to ease itchiness and reduce redness. These are usually made with topical corticosteroids or vitamin D.

Phototherapy

During photo or light therapy, the affected area is exposed to an ultraviolet light. This gradually kills the immune cells in the skin contributing to psoriasis.

Systematic medication

This treatment involves injections or oral medications and will only be used if you have a severe case of psoriasis.