Psoriasis

What is it?

It’s an autoimmune condition, where the body attacks its own tissues, affecting the skin, nails and joints. In the skin it causes red, flaky, crusty patches covered with silvery scales usually on your elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, but can appear anywhere on your body. The surface of the fingernails become pitted like the surface of a thimble.

Who’s affected?

Around 2% of people in the UK. It can start at any age, but most often develops in adults under 35 years of age.

Why does it occur?

Skin cells are normally made and replaced every three to four weeks, but in psoriasis this process only lasts about three to seven days. The resulting build-up of skin cells is what creates the patches.

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

Your GP can diagnose it based on the appearance of your skin. In rare cases a biopsy will be sent for examination under a microscope to determine the exact type of psoriasis and rule out other skin disorders.

Treating psoriasis

There’s no cure. The first treatment used will be a topical one, such as vitamin D analogues or topical corticosteroids.

If these aren’t effective, phototherapy may be used which involves exposing your skin to certain types of ultraviolet light. In severe cases and especially where there are joint problems, strong immunosuppressing drugs are used which can alter the course of the disease and hold it in check.

Living with psoriasis

Psoriasis can have a significant impact on quality of life and lower a person’s self-esteem.

Speak to your GP or healthcare team for advice and further treatment if necessary.

There are also support groups such as The Psoriasis Association. psoriasis-association.org.uk.