What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a long term inflammatory skin condition caused by an overactive immune system. It leads to rapid turnover of skin cells, resulting in thickened, red patches of skin covered with silvery white scales.
Psoriasis is not contagious. It tends to follow a relapsing and remitting course, with periods of flare ups and improvement. Severity ranges from mild patches to widespread disease affecting quality of life.
What causes psoriasis?
Psoriasis occurs due to immune system dysfunction combined with genetic susceptibility.
Key contributing factors
- Genetic predisposition, such as a family history of psoriasis or autoimmune disease.
- Immune system overactivity causing chronic skin inflammation.
- Environmental and lifestyle triggers.
Common triggers
- Stress
- Skin injury such as cuts, burns, or insect bites.
- Infections, particularly throat infections.
- Cold weather.
- Smoking.
- Alcohol.
- Certain medications such as lithium, beta blockers, and some antimalarials.
- Hormonal changes.
What are the common symptoms of psoriasis?
- Well defined red patches of skin.
- Silvery white scaling.
- Itching or burning sensations.
- Cracked skin that may bleed.
- Thickened or raised plaques.
- Scalp scaling or dandruff like flakes.
- Changes in the nails such as pitting, thickening, or separation from the nail bed.
- Joint pain or stiffness in some people, known as psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriasis commonly affects the scalp, elbows, knees, lower back, nails, and skin folds, but it can occur anywhere on the body.
When to seek urgent medical help
Seek urgent medical advice if:
- Psoriasis suddenly becomes widespread or severe.
- There is significant pain, swelling, or redness of the skin.
- There are signs of serious infection such as fever or pus.
- You develop severe joint pain or swelling.
- Psoriasis severely affects the eyes or face.
Seek same day medical care if:
- Psoriasis is rapidly worsening.
- There is suspected skin infection.
- Joint symptoms develop or worsen.
- Skin cracking becomes painful or starts bleeding.
- Symptoms are significantly affecting sleep or daily activities.
A GP will assess psoriasis based on your symptoms, the pattern of skin changes, and your medical history.
During an online GP consultation, we can:
- Discuss your symptoms, triggers, and flare patterns.
- Review previous and current treatments.
- Assess severity and impact on daily life.
- Advise on lifestyle and trigger management.
- Prescribe appropriate treatments.
- Decide if referral to dermatology or rheumatology is needed.
You may require an in person review if:
- The diagnosis is uncertain.
- Psoriasis is severe or extensive.
- Joint involvement is suspected.
- Treatment is not effective.
- A physical examination or further tests are required.
What are treatment and management options for psoriasis?
Self care and lifestyle management
Daily measures can help reduce flares:
- Use regular emollients to keep skin hydrated.
- Avoid harsh soaps and very hot water.
- Manage stress where possible.
- Stop smoking and reduce alcohol intake.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid picking or scratching plaques.
- Protect the skin from injury.
Treatment from a GP
A GP may recommend:
- Topical steroid creams or ointments.
- Vitamin D analogues or combination creams.
- Tar based treatments.
- Specific scalp treatments for scalp psoriasis.
- Treatment for associated infections if present.
- Assessment and treatment for joint symptoms where appropriate.
When referral is needed
Referral to a specialist may be needed if:
- Psoriasis is moderate to severe.
- Topical treatments are ineffective.
- Psoriatic arthritis is suspected.
- Advanced treatments such as phototherapy or systemic medication are required.
How Dr.Online UK can help
We offer:
- Same day online GP appointments.
- Assessment and diagnosis of psoriasis.
- Private prescriptions for psoriasis treatments.
- Personalised flare prevention and treatment plans.
- Referral to dermatology or rheumatology services where needed.
