Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious immune-mediated skin disorder characterized by accelerated skin cell turnover, leading to thick, inflamed, and scaly patches (plaques).
Key Facts & Clinical Characteristics of Psoriasis:
Most Common Variant: Plaque psoriasis is the most frequent form, producing raised, inflamed skin covered with silvery scales.
Underlying Cause: Immune system dysregulation that speeds up the skin cell replacement cycle from weeks to just a few days.
Common Symptoms: Red, scaly plaques, skin tightness, and itching or burning sensations (though some patients experience minimal or no discomfort).
Non-Contagious: Cannot be spread through physical contact or bodily fluids.
Manageability: Chronic and long-lasting, but highly manageable with targeted topical treatments, phototherapy, oral systemic drugs, and biological therapies.
Those affected may develop thick, pink or red patches of skin covered with white or silvery scales. In most people, it covers only a few patches of skin. In severe cases, the plaques connect and cover a large area of the body. In addition to the skin, psoriasis can cause:
Nails that are pitted, cracked or crumbly.
Joint pain and affect the elbows and knees, face, scalp and inside the mouth, fingernails and toenails, genitals, lower back, palms and feet.
Common psoriasis treatments include:
Anti- inflammatory preparations like steroid creams
Medicated lotions, shampoos and bath solutions
Vitamin D3 derived creams or ointments
In severe cases, biologic therapy, may be considered in suitable patients
Following the diagnosis of psoriasis, our dermatologists will discuss a personalised treatment plan with you.
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