A PROBLEM SHARED

Got a problem? Dr Ranj Singh is here to off er his advice

I’ve been getting patches of dry, itchy skin on my face and scalp. I went to my GP who told me it might be psoriasis. I’m single and it has really knocked my confidence, to the point where I don’t even want to talk to other guys. What can I do to get rid of it?

I totally understand why your confi dence has been knocked. Psoriasis can really aff ect a person’s self- esteem but, fortunately, there are lots of treatments available. They could take some time to work, though, so don’t expect immediate results.

Psoriasis is a condition where the normal turnover of the skin is accelerated. This means that skin cells accumulate in “plaques” ( dry, red, fl aky, itchy patches), which can occur anywhere on the body. It has nothing to do with hygiene and it defi nitely isn’t contagious.

We don’t know exactly why it happens but it is related to the immune system becoming triggered and over- active. For some, this can be linked to stress and anxiety — it might be a good idea to think of ways in which you can reduce your stress levels — or hormonal changes, and certain infections and medications.

The mainstay of psoriasis treatment is “topical” medication ( creams, gels and lotions that are applied to the skin).

These include moisturisers and emollients to ease the dryness and itching, vitamin D- based products that encourage normal skin growth, steroid creams to reduce infl ammation, coal tar preparations ( particularly for use on the scalp), dithranolbased remedies, and calcineurin inhibitors, which “switch off ” infl ammation in the skin. Most of these require a prescription from your doctor, or have a chat with your local pharmacist.

Many individuals have to try a few options before fi nding the one that works for them, so please don’t be disheartened if it doesn’t work right away.

If your GP is unable to manage the symptoms, you may benefi t from referral to a dermatologist for more specialist treatment, such as UV light therapy.

Remember: you are not on your own. It is estimated that psoriasis aff ects about 1.8m people in the UK, and there are many support groups and forums online that you should check out.

Most people are able to gain some control over the condition but the key is to be patient and persistent with treatment.

If you need further information and to fi nd support, visit psoriasis- association. org. uk

“Psoriasis has nothing to do with hygiene and is not contagious”